Current Events
Looking for things to do in Rochester? The History Center offers a variety of events all year round throughout Olmsted County. All events are listed at Central Standard Time (CST) unless otherwise stated. As a non-profit, our events are only possible with the support of the community! If you would like to sponsor an event, call the History Center at 507-282-9447, or contact us by email.
For members tickets, please keep in mind that your discount only applies to the same number of tickets that your membership applies to. For example, if you have an Individual membership, you may get one ticket at the discounted rate. All other tickets should be purchased at the full rate. If you have the Individual Plus membership, you are welcome to purchase two tickets at the discounted rate and all other tickets should be purchased at the regular rate. Thank you.
Event Key:
History
Center Events
Center Events
Mayowood
Mansion
Mansion
Partner
Events
Events
2025 Events Coming
Friday Storytime with Miss Barb
July 11th, 2025
10:00 am - 11:00 amOur popular Friday Morning Storytime returns! Come and join us on July 11th for a fun and creative morning with Miss Barb. The Storytime includes a story as well as a craft project. Recommended for children between 4 and 10 years old.
Free admission for everyone, sponsored by Olmsted Medical Center.
Leave with your own finished project as you learn about the Art of Dyeing from the Zumbro River Fiber Arts Guild! They will share the process of fiber dyeing and different fabric dying techniques on July 19, 2025 from 12pm - 4pm at the History Center. This interactive demo day is a great time to start your journey into the world of dyeing, fun for all ages and skill levels.
Free for members and $5 for each non-member participant.
Days of Yesteryear
August 9th, 2025
12:00 am - 12:00 amStep onto the Ralph Stoppel grounds and be transported to a bygone era! Witness the marvels of yesteryear with thrilling live demonstrations. Check out the steam tractors, threshing of oats or participate in hands on activities for the whole family like rope making and tinsmithing. There is something for everyone on August 9 & 10, 2025, 9am-4pm thanks to Mechanical History Round Table. John Hardy's food will be available for purchase.
- Parade of Power: daily at 1 pm
- Red Barn Learning Farm Animals
- Demonstrations by First Responders
- Special Programs on Saturday: 1860's Base Ball Match, Garden Tractor Pull at 2 pm
Live Demonstrations: Threshing grain, Shelling corn, Dairy Barn, Steam&Gas Engines, Clothes Washing, Sawmill, Antique vehicles, rope making, Tinsmith, Blacksmith Rock Crusher, Old-time school, Woodshop Demonstrations
Buttons (which serve as tickets) are $10 at the gate or get one in advance at the History Center for $8 or 2 for $15!
You can also purchase tickets on the MHRT website: https://www.mhrt.org/event-details/days-of-yesteryear-2025
Singer, Songwriter & Guitarist Steven J. Schmidt will play an exclusive outdoor concert on the grounds of the History Center. Join us the evening of Saturday, September 6th for the release of Schmidt’s newest work “The Driftless Sessions”.
Some refer to Schmidt as "a folkie with chops". He is noted for his finger picking and use of alternate tunings.
Tickets are available for $35.
Listen to Steven J. Schmidt's music on his website: stevenjschmidt.net
