Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and marvels of early American rural life at the annual Days of Yesteryear celebration, taking place Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 9th, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This year featuring Oliver, Cockshutt and White tractors, hosted by the Mechanical History Round Table on the historic Ralph Stoppel Farmstead grounds at the History Center of Olmsted County, this family-friendly weekend transports you to a bygone era with thrilling live demonstrations. Watch massive steam tractors chug into action, witness traditional oat threshing, and enjoy the classic "parade of power". Visitors of all ages can try their hand at pioneer crafts like rope making, watch the tinsmith, catch an authentic 1860s vintage base ball game with the Roosters, and grab some delicious local food.

Button: $8.00 each or two for $15.00 on sale now at HCOC or $10 at the gate. Kids are FREE!

Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and marvels of early American rural life at the annual Days of Yesteryear celebration, taking place Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 9th, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This year featuring Oliver, Cockshutt and White tractors, hosted by the Mechanical History Round Table on the historic Ralph Stoppel Farmstead grounds at the History Center of Olmsted County, this family-friendly weekend transports you to a bygone era with thrilling live demonstrations. Watch massive steam tractors chug into action, witness traditional oat threshing, and enjoy the classic "parade of power". Visitors of all ages can try their hand at pioneer crafts like rope making, watch the tinsmith, catch an authentic 1860s vintage base ball game with the Roosters, and grab some delicious local food.

Button: $8.00 each or two for $15.00 on sale now at HCOC or $10 at the gate. Kids are FREE!

Kids of all ages can settle in for a FREE fun, engaging story, followed by a special chance to meet and pet some truly adorable dogs who are looking for their forever homes. It’s a wonderful, family-friendly event where kids can enjoy a story, enjoy some puppy love, and maybe even help a shelter dog find a brand-new family.

Thanks to Olmsted Medical Center for their continued support of this program.

The Rochester Public Library Bookmobile regularly carries more than 4,500 items, including adult and children's books, audiobooks, magazines and DVDs. Be sure to stop and visit the Bookmobile August 20th at HCOC.

Join us for an Heirloom Garden Tour at 6:30 p.m., followed by a lecture on Fall Gardening with our Master Gardeners. Explore the garden, discover seasonal tips, and enjoy an evening of gardening insights and inspiration.

$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.

August 22, 2026 from 2pm - 5pm promises unforgettable fun as we honor 50 years of the incredible Booker Mini Band, celebrate 100 years of our very own History Center, and commemorate America’s 250th birthday! Admission to the event is completely free with a $10 suggested donation, and guests will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase amazing food from a lineup of fantastic local food trucks and sit back to enjoy some iconic music from one of the areas most loved bands.

• Fundraiser for the Renovation and Extension of the History Center Building ($10 SUGGESTED DONATION APPRECIATED)
• Special Guest: Brad Boice
• Bring your own chair!

Special thanks to Majestic Events, Service Pros Plumbing and Heating, and Rochester Compass for their generous support.

Are you ready to be inspired? Join us for our upcoming lecture, presented by Chris Boes, M.D. At Mayo, learning isn't just something we do early in careers—it is a lifelong pursuit fueled by curiosity, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to patients. Whether you are a student, a seasoned professional, or simply someone who believes in the power of growth, this session will dive deep into how a culture of continuous learning shapes the future of medicine. Come discover why the pursuit of knowledge never truly ends. We can't wait to see you there!

$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members.

Have you ever been at the state fair, wandered into the Horticulture building and are astounded at the line of people waiting to view this year's crop of Crop Art from around the state?   

The Minnesota State Fair Crop Art competition officially began in 1965, where Minnesotans used local seeds, stems and plant parts to make pictures on boards, a true folk art, its original purpose was to help people learn to tell different farm crops apart.  It's now one of the most beloved parts of the Minnesota State Fair. 

Did you know that not one of the finalists in the 2025 competition was from Olmsted County?   

We are ready to change this in 2027! 

Local artist Molly Althoff is teaming up with the History Center on September 16th from 5:30-8 p.m. to help you make your very own piece of crop art.  You get instruction from a local artist on creating one of two designs or come prepared with your own design to create, select from The Corn Tower, a styled “Ope” or BYOD: bring your own design. 

You’ll learn about the history of crop art, state fair guidelines and how crop art has become a thriving folk art in Minnesota, and all of the supplies needed to create your own piece to take home. 

• Advance registration is required and will close on 9/14/26. 
• Spots are limited to 40.  
• Please select your preferred design when registering. 
• This class is for ages 16 and up, teens age 12-15 can attend if an adult attends with them (2 tickets required). 
•  $3 processing fee for any cancellations/refunds until 9/1/26. No refunds after 9/1/26. 
  
  $45 for non-members. $40 for HCOC members.

Save the date for September 26th for an unforgettable evening at the beautiful, 1920s-themed The Social at the Avalon as we gather to celebrate our 100th anniversary! This semi-formal fundraiser invites guests to step back in time—with 1920s attire warmly encouraged—and enjoy live music from the D’Sievers jazz band alongside a cash bar. Standard tickets are $100 in honor of our centennial and include complimentary appetizers along with automatic entry into our prize drawing of amazing gifts!  Select VIP ticket packages featuring on-site parking are also available by phone. Tickets will be limited so watch to reserve yours to join us in celebrating our 100 years!