Steele County Historical Society

Steele County Historical Society Preserving the history of Steele County, MN
History Center, Village of Yesteryear, Orphanage Museum

The Steele County Historical Society (SCHS) was established in 1949 to preserve the history of Steele County. In 1962 with the arrival of the S**O Church, the Village of Yesteryear was created. Now with 19 structures, one of the latest acquisitions being Gus' Station, the Village has become a landmark in the county and a historic treasure with visitors from all over the United States and many othe

r countries. The 3.3 Million Dollar History Center features a rotating exhibit hall, Genealogy Room, meeting rooms and a gift shop. The Steele County Historical Society merged with the Owatonna Orphanage Museum in January 2022, furthering our ability to preserve and share the history of Steele County.

🎨✨ Sip, Paint & Create! ✨🎨Looking for a fun and creative way to spend your Saturday morning? Join us for a relaxing Sip ...
06/18/2026

🎨✨ Sip, Paint & Create! ✨🎨

Looking for a fun and creative way to spend your Saturday morning? Join us for a relaxing Sip & Paint class at the Steele County History Center!

🖌️ Create your own beautiful woodland-inspired painting with step-by-step instruction from Suzanne Schwichtenberg of The Upper East Side Studio (Faribault, MN). No experience necessary—just bring your creativity!

📅 Saturday, July 11
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Steele County History Center
1700 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN

💲 $25 per person
👥 Open to ages 14 and up
🍪 Enjoy mocktails and cookies while you paint!

☎️ Reserve your spot today: 507-452-1420

Space is limited, so gather a friend and join us for a morning of art, laughter, and creativity in a welcoming atmosphere.

🇺🇸 Signatures of Leadership – A Journey Through America’s History 🇺🇸Step into the stories of the men who have led our na...
06/17/2026

🇺🇸 Signatures of Leadership – A Journey Through America’s History 🇺🇸

Step into the stories of the men who have led our nation and explore a remarkable collection of presidential signatures spanning 250 years of American history. From George Washington to modern-day presidents, each signature offers a unique connection to the leaders who shaped the United States through triumphs, challenges, and change.

📜 Signatures of Leadership Exhibit
📍 Lange Theater, Steele County Historical Society
📅 July 1 – August 29
🕙 Tuesday–Friday: 10 AM–4 PM
🕙 Saturday: 10 AM–3 PM

🎟 Admission: $5 Adults | Children Free

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th Anniversary, this special exhibit provides a rare opportunity to experience history through the personal marks left by our nation’s presidents.

All proceeds support the Steele County Historical Society and its mission to preserve and share our community’s history.

🎷 Jazz Jam on the Patio is Back! 🎷Spend a relaxing summer afternoon with live jazz, great company, and local history at ...
06/16/2026

🎷 Jazz Jam on the Patio is Back! 🎷

Spend a relaxing summer afternoon with live jazz, great company, and local history at the Steele County Historical Society!

🎶 Featuring the H3O Jazz Trio
📅 Sunday, June 28
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 History Center Patio
1700 Austin Road

✨ Free Event
🪑 Bring your own lawn chair
🥤 Refreshments will be served

Whether you're a longtime jazz lover or simply looking for a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon, this outdoor concert is the perfect opportunity to enjoy incredible live music in a beautiful setting.

A special thank you to Jerry Ganfield for sponsoring this event.

Invite your friends and family, and join us for an afternoon of smooth jazz on the patio!

🍨💚 Volunteer Appreciation Ice Cream Social 💚🍨The Steele County Historical Society is grateful for the time, talent, and ...
06/11/2026

🍨💚 Volunteer Appreciation Ice Cream Social 💚🍨

The Steele County Historical Society is grateful for the time, talent, and dedication of our incredible volunteers. To celebrate all that you do, we invite you to join us for an evening of appreciation, connection, and ice cream!

📅 Monday, July 6
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Village of Yesteryear
1448 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN

✨ Small Actions. Big Impact. ✨

Every volunteer makes a difference, and this event is our way of saying thank you for helping preserve local history and strengthen our community. Come enjoy a sweet treat, visit with fellow volunteers, and celebrate the impact we've made together.

We look forward to spending the evening with you!

🏛️ Take home a piece of local history 🏛️These beautifully detailed pencil drawing prints capture some of our community’s...
06/10/2026

🏛️ Take home a piece of local history 🏛️

These beautifully detailed pencil drawing prints capture some of our community’s most recognizable historic buildings and landmarks. Perfect for home, office, or as a thoughtful gift, each print celebrates the architecture and heritage that make our area unique.

Available now in our museum gift shop — stop by and browse the collection!

06/10/2026

The next SCHS Board Meeting will be held June 15th at 6pm in the Ellendale Community Center located at 507 South 2nd Street.

🎉🏡 Step Back in Time at the Extravaganza! 🏡🎉Bring the whole family for an afternoon of old-fashioned fun at the Village ...
06/09/2026

🎉🏡 Step Back in Time at the Extravaganza! 🏡🎉

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of old-fashioned fun at the Village of Yesteryear Extravaganza! Experience hands-on history, live demonstrations, music, children's activities, and delicious food in a charming historic village setting.

📅 Sunday, July 12
⏰ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Village of Yesteryear
1448 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN

✨ Enjoy Live Demonstrations:
🧺 Basketry & Beading
🔨 Blacksmithing & Metalwork
📚 Handmade Bookmarks
🧵 Lace Making, Quilting & Wool Spinning
🪢 Rope Making
🎶 Willow Whistle Carving

🎵 Live Music
🎤 Bruce Bernhard & Tim O'Connor (Noon–2 PM)
🎸 The Page Family (2–4 PM)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children's Activities
🐾 RAD Zoo (12–2 PM)
🎯 Bingo (2–4 PM)
🪓 Tomahawk Throwing (All Day)

🌭 Food Available for Purchase
Brats, hot dogs, chips, old-fashioned soda, ice cream floats, and Buchty (while supplies last)!

A special thank you to Baker Tech Services for sponsoring this event.

Gather your family and friends and enjoy a day filled with history, entertainment, and community fun. We can't wait to see you there!

✨ Handcrafted beauty, one piece at a time ✨Our museum gift shop is proud to feature unique handmade pieces like this stu...
06/03/2026

✨ Handcrafted beauty, one piece at a time ✨

Our museum gift shop is proud to feature unique handmade pieces like this stunning wooden bowl — crafted with natural character, rich grain patterns, and timeless artistry. No two are exactly alike, making each one a special addition to your home or a thoughtful gift.

Stop in and explore our collection of handcrafted items created by talented artisans.

🎷 Jazz Jam on the Patio is Back! 🎷Spend a relaxing summer afternoon with live jazz, great company, and local history at ...
06/02/2026

🎷 Jazz Jam on the Patio is Back! 🎷

Spend a relaxing summer afternoon with live jazz, great company, and local history at the Steele County Historical Society!

🎶 Featuring the H3O Jazz Trio
📅 Sunday, June 28
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 History Center Patio
1700 Austin Road

✨ Free Event
🪑 Bring your own lawn chair
🥤 Refreshments will be served

Whether you're a longtime jazz lover or simply looking for a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon, this outdoor concert is the perfect opportunity to enjoy incredible live music in a beautiful setting.

A special thank you to Jerry Garfield for sponsoring this event.

Invite your friends and family, and join us for an afternoon of smooth jazz on the patio!

Address

1700 Austin Road
Owatonna, MN
55060

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+15074511420

Website

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