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.
2025 Events Coming
We have the honor of award-winning scholar Karen Sieber joining us February 20, 2025 from 7pm - 8:30pm to discuss Minnesota's role in the Underground Railroad. Sieber's extensive work includes building a collaborative digital database and classroom resources about Black freedom seekers in the nineteenth century Midwest. She will also discuss her recent discovery of documentation that places noted Black abolitionist and Underground Railroad leader Moses Dickson in Minnesota during the 1850s. This is an amazing opportunity to learn from a distinguished scholar, educator, and social justice advocate.
Free for members and $5 for non-members.
We have the honor of award-winning scholar Karen Sieber joining us February 20, 2025 from 7pm - 8:30pm to discuss Minnesota's role in the Underground Railroad. Sieber's extensive work includes building a collaborative digital database and classroom resources about Black freedom seekers in the nineteenth century Midwest. She will also discuss her recent discovery of documentation that places noted Black abolitionist and Underground Railroad leader Moses Dickson in Minnesota during the 1850s. This is an amazing opportunity to learn from a distinguished scholar, educator, and social justice advocate.
Free for members and $5 for non-members.
Join us at the History Center on February 27th, 2025 from 7pm - 8:30pm with Forestry Extension Professor and Educator Angela Gupta from the University of Minnesota in a discussion regarding forestry in Southern Minnesota. Learn how trees and forests have changed over time, and the potential challenges that climate change present in our future.
Free for members and $5 for non-members.
Join us at the History Center on February 27th, 2025 from 7pm - 8:30pm with Forestry Extension Professor and Educator Angela Gupta from the University of Minnesota in a discussion regarding forestry in Southern Minnesota. Learn how trees and forests have changed over time, and the potential challenges that climate change present in our future.
Free for members and $5 for non-members.
Experience the Opulence during this educational fashion show that will feature the work of Joy Melcher, a fashion historian and designer of historic clothing from Osage, Iowa. Joy has created costumes and period clothing for theatrical organizations and museums, including Lincoln Center, the New York City Opera, and the Smithsonian Institute. Her designs are also featured on an upcoming Netflix special. The inspiration for this year’s fashion show is the excess and frivolity of the Queen Marie Antoinette era. Join us at the Rochester Event Center on March 9th, 2025 for decadent desserts and A Fashion Show Fit for a Queen!
Doors open at 1:00. Dessert serving at 1:30. Fashion show begins at 2:00. $35 per ticket.
Special thanks to Powers Ventures and Serenity Couture Salon and Spa for help in making this event magical.
Join us at the History Center for an evening learning about the Women Airforce Service Pilots and the important role they played in winning the war on Thursday, March 13th, 2025 from 7pm - 8:30pm.
FREE for members and $5 for non-members
Join us at the History Center for an evening learning about the Women Airforce Service Pilots and the important role they played in winning the war on Thursday, March 13th, 2025 from 7pm - 8:30pm.
FREE for members and $5 for non-members
Join us March 29, 2025 from 1pm - 2:15pm in welcoming Andrea Gilats as she shares her journey into old age, including the choking fear of losing her health and with it, her independence; the profound pleasures of “growing up again” as she reconsiders experiences from young adulthood; and finally, her unexpectedly optimistic journey toward contentment as she contemplates her future as she shares her new book, "Radical Endurance: GROWING OLD IN AN AGE OF LONGEVITY".
Free for members and $5 for non-members.
Join us March 29, 2025 from 1pm - 2:15pm in welcoming Andrea Gilats as she shares her journey into old age, including the choking fear of losing her health and with it, her independence; the profound pleasures of “growing up again” as she reconsiders experiences from young adulthood; and finally, her unexpectedly optimistic journey toward contentment as she contemplates her future as she shares her new book, "Radical Endurance: GROWING OLD IN AN AGE OF LONGEVITY".
Free for members and $5 for non-members.