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.

🎶🌭 Get Ready for Brats & Blues 🌭🎶Get ready for an evening of great music, delicious food, and summer fun at the Village ...
08/27/2026

🎶🌭 Get Ready for Brats & Blues 🌭🎶

Get ready for an evening of great music, delicious food, and summer fun at the Village of Yesteryear!

Join us for Brats & Blues featuring the Mark Cameron Band, an Overton Records recording artist and a #1 Blues Charts performer. Bring your friends, relax, and enjoy live blues in a unique historic setting.

🗓 Saturday, August 29
🕟 4:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 Village of Yesteryear
East side of the Steele County Fairgrounds
1448 Austin Road, Owatonna

🌭 Brats, food, and beverages will be available for purchase.
🪑 Be sure to bring your own lawn chair for comfortable seating!

Whether you're a longtime blues fan or just looking for a fun way to spend a summer evening, this is an event you won't want to miss.

Gather your family and friends, enjoy some incredible live music, and make it a memorable night at the Steele County Historical Society!

🇺🇸 Signatures of Leadership – A Journey Through America’s History 🇺🇸Step into the stories of the men who have led our na...
08/26/2026

🇺🇸 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: Free Will Donation
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

💧 Join us for the Steele County Historical Society's Onward & Upward Program & Lunch!Celebrate the women who are leading...
08/25/2026

💧 Join us for the Steele County Historical Society's Onward & Upward Program & Lunch!

Celebrate the women who are leading the way in protecting one of our most valuable resources—our water.

🗓 Thursday, September 17
🕦 11:30 a.m.
📍 Steele County History Center
1700 Austin Road

This year's program, "Her Earth, Her Voice: Celebrating Women Leading the Way, Protecting Our Environment and Water Resource," features a panel discussion with Cherry Schwartz, Adrienne Gransee, Lois Nelson, and Rebecca Higgins. Hear their experiences, insights, and the important work they're doing to protect our environment and water resources for future generations.

🍽️ Lunch is included.

🎟️ Tickets:
• $25 for Steele County Historical Society members
• $35 for non-members

📞 RSVP by September 11 by calling 507-451-1420.

If you'd like to be seated with another attendee, please let us know when you register.

A special thank you to Lonna Lysne for sponsoring this event.

We hope you'll join us for an engaging afternoon of conversation, learning, and community!

🎶 🎶 Tomorrow's Live Music at the Village of Yesteryear during SCFF! 🎡🎡The stage is set, the bands are ready, and it's ti...
08/22/2026

🎶 🎶 Tomorrow's Live Music at the Village of Yesteryear during SCFF! 🎡🎡

The stage is set, the bands are ready, and it's time to enjoy an incredible lineup of live entertainment all fair long! Come early, stay late, and enjoy everything the Village of Yesteryear has to offer. We can't wait to see you there!

🕒 Tomorrow's Music Schedule
• 3 PM – Alan O'Malley-Laursen

🎶 🎶 Tomorrow's Live Music at the Village of Yesteryear during SCFF! 🎡🎡The stage is set, the bands are ready, and it's ti...
08/21/2026

🎶 🎶 Tomorrow's Live Music at the Village of Yesteryear during SCFF! 🎡🎡

The stage is set, the bands are ready, and it's time to enjoy an incredible lineup of live entertainment all fair long! Come early, stay late, and enjoy everything the Village of Yesteryear has to offer. We can't wait to see you there!

🕒 Tomorrow's Music Schedule
• 12 Noon – Tim Penny Band
• 3 PM – Paul Proft: Harmonica Music
• 6 PM – Dunnell Lenort

🎶 🎶 Tomorrow's Live Music at the Village of Yesteryear during SCFF! 🎡🎡The stage is set, the bands are ready, and it's ti...
08/20/2026

🎶 🎶 Tomorrow's Live Music at the Village of Yesteryear during SCFF! 🎡🎡

The stage is set, the bands are ready, and it's time to enjoy an incredible lineup of live entertainment all fair long! Come early, stay late, and enjoy everything the Village of Yesteryear has to offer. We can't wait to see you there!

🕒 Tomorrow's Music Schedule
• 12 Noon – Todd Uptadel: Musicians Against Cancer
• 3 PM – Curt Copeland
• 6 PM – Senior Moments: Bruce Bernhart & Tim O'Connor

🎶 🎶 Tomorrow's Live Music at the Village of Yesteryear during SCFF! 🎡🎡The stage is set, the bands are ready, and it's ti...
08/19/2026

🎶 🎶 Tomorrow's Live Music at the Village of Yesteryear during SCFF! 🎡🎡

The stage is set, the bands are ready, and it's time to enjoy an incredible lineup of live entertainment all fair long! Come early, stay late, and enjoy everything the Village of Yesteryear has to offer. We can't wait to see you there!

🕒 Tomorrow's Music Schedule
• 12 Noon – Paul Proft: Harmonica Music
• 4 PM – Dan Stursa Band
• 6 PM – Todd Uptadel: Musicians Against Cancer

🎶 🎶 Tomorrow's Live Music at the Village of Yesteryear during SCFF! 🎡🎡The stage is set, the bands are ready, and it's ti...
08/18/2026

🎶 🎶 Tomorrow's Live Music at the Village of Yesteryear during SCFF! 🎡🎡

The stage is set, the bands are ready, and it's time to enjoy an incredible lineup of live entertainment all fair long! Come early, stay late, and enjoy everything the Village of Yesteryear has to offer. We can't wait to see you there!

🕒 Tomorrow's Music Schedule
• 12 Noon – Senior Moments: Bruce Bernhart & Tim O'Connor
• 3 PM – Page Family Singers
• 6 PM – Allan O'Malley-Laursen

🎶 🎶 Tomorrow's Live Music at the Village of Yesteryear during SCFF! 🎡🎡The stage is set, the bands are ready, and it's ti...
08/17/2026

🎶 🎶 Tomorrow's Live Music at the Village of Yesteryear during SCFF! 🎡🎡

The stage is set, the bands are ready, and it's time to enjoy an incredible lineup of live entertainment all fair long! Come early, stay late, and enjoy everything the Village of Yesteryear has to offer. We can't wait to see you there!

🕒 Tomorrow's Music Schedule
• 6pm – Curt Copland

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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