History Center of Olmsted County

History Center of Olmsted County Explore, Examine, and Experience history in our exhibits, archives, and events.

Welcome aboard! Everyone needs a place to relax. For Dr. William J. Mayo, that place was the Mississippi River. This fil...
06/02/2026

Welcome aboard! Everyone needs a place to relax. For Dr. William J. Mayo, that place was the Mississippi River. This film will introduce you to "life on the Mississippi" as Mayo Clinic's founders experienced it. We are honored to host speaker Renee Ziemer, Thursday, June 4th at 7pm, for a special viewing of this film and a discussion where you will explore the deep historical connections between the Mayo family and the Mississippi River.
$5 for non-members. FREE for HCOC members. olmstedhistory.com/events

Our FREE summer admission continues with a generous gift from Think Bank! Visit the Dee Cabin, Hadley Valley Schoolhouse...
06/01/2026

Our FREE summer admission continues with a generous gift from Think Bank! Visit the Dee Cabin, Hadley Valley Schoolhouse and more.
Tuesday through Friday 9am - 5pm.

Home of Dr. Edward Starr Judd located at 721 12th Avenue SW. The walls of this imposing home are said to be two feet thi...
05/31/2026

Home of Dr. Edward Starr Judd located at 721 12th Avenue SW. The walls of this imposing home are said to be two feet thick. It was built for Dr. Edward Starr Judd and his wife Helen [Berkman], both Rochester natives. He was head of a Section of Surgery from 1904 until his early death of pneumonia in 1935 at the age of 57. His wife was the daughter of Gertrude Mayo Berkman; Helen Berkman, a niece of Dr. William J. and Charles H. Mayo. She continued to live in the home until 1949. This home was sold to Dr. Joseph H. and Hazel Pratt.
Builder: Garfield Schwartz Architect: Ellerbe and Company

This old stone house was built in 1867 on Bamber Valley road SW, with an addition in 1883. This was the home of George B...
05/30/2026

This old stone house was built in 1867 on Bamber Valley road SW, with an addition in 1883. This was the home of George Baihly; later to John & Mary Peters, Drs Keith & Noralane Lindor and Bamber Valley Farm Antiques.
In this photo are the Peters family:
parents John & Mary (Jensen) Peters and children: Christy, William, Anna and Esther.

Exterior of the new Eyota Public School building. Around 1922.The architect was Harold H. Crawford. The school was two-s...
05/29/2026

Exterior of the new Eyota Public School building. Around 1922.
The architect was Harold H. Crawford. The school was two-story brick, with smaller rooms arranged around an auditorium-gymnasium, two stories in heights, with clock and bell tower.

You are cordially invited to our new senior programming June 3rd at 10am! This special presentation will uncover the lif...
05/29/2026

You are cordially invited to our new senior programming June 3rd at 10am! This special presentation will uncover the life and legacy of a local trailblazer. Join us as we explore the story of Amelia Witherstine, the first woman elected to public office in Rochester, Minnesota. The event features guest speaker and local author Virginia Wright-Peterson, who will provide an insightful look into Witherstine’s journey and her impact on our community’s history.

Please register in advance for this free event with the buy tickets link. Suggested $5 free-will donation at the program.
Thanks to Caps Kitchen and Baths for sponsoring our senior programming.

HCOC archives will offer limited access until June 2, 2026. If you have any questions, please email archivist@olmstedhis...
05/28/2026

HCOC archives will offer limited access until June 2, 2026. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

Lens on History: Taking the leap-into marriage, off an airplane, by Lee Hilgendorf, 2019Newlywed Lottie Schermerhorn loo...
05/28/2026

Lens on History: Taking the leap-into marriage, off an airplane, by Lee Hilgendorf, 2019

Newlywed Lottie Schermerhorn looked over the side of the airplane 1,000 feet to the ground.
Then, the 16-year-old girl climbed over the side, holding onto the wing, and let go. Two seconds later, a parachute blossomed above her head and Lottie kicked her feet in delight. This was the first of four scheduled jumps at the 1920 Olmsted County Fair.
On the ground, Lottie’s husband, George, at least 30 years her elder, nodded his head as his wife landed in front of the grandstands to thunderous applause.
In the 1890s, George had toured county fairs making a similar jump from a balloon, but the airplane added drama to the show. The following day, a strong wind carried Lottie one-half mile off course and then dragged her across the ground.
Within a year, Lottie would graduate to wing walking — something that was perfectly safe, said her husband while standing on the ground.

Mark your calendars! The History Center will be CLOSED June 27th at noon so we may participate in the Rochesterfest par...
05/26/2026

Mark your calendars! The History Center will be CLOSED June 27th at noon so we may participate in the Rochesterfest parade.

Join us as we learn from the planners and volunteers during a panel discussion about the history and evolution of Rochester's favorite summer celebration, Rochesterfest, on June 16th at 7pm at HCOC.

Stop in and check out some artifacts from past years of this amazing community gathering beginning June 16th.

Address

1195 W Circle Dr SW
Rochester, MN
55902

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15072829447

Website

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