About History center of olmsted county
Welcome to the History Center of Olmsted County, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Olmsted County, Minnesota. Our center is home to an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, photographs, and other historical materials that tell the story of this region from its earliest days to the present.
Our mission is to inspire curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of our community's past through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and research opportunities. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor from afar, we invite you to explore our exhibits and discover the fascinating stories that have shaped our community over time.
One of the unique features of our center is its focus on local history. We believe that by studying the past in our own backyard, we can gain a greater appreciation for how national events have impacted our community and how local people have contributed to broader historical trends. From Native American settlements along the Zumbro River to early pioneer life on the prairie; from Rochester's emergence as a medical hub in the late 19th century to its role as home base for Mayo Clinic today – there is much here for visitors to learn about and enjoy.
In addition to our permanent exhibits which showcase various aspects of Olmsted County's history such as agriculture & industry; transportation & communication; education & religion; arts & culture etc., we also offer temporary exhibitions throughout year which highlight specific themes or events related with county’s history like “Women’s Suffrage Movement”, “World War II” etc.
We also offer educational programs for all ages including school tours (K-12), adult lectures series (on various topics related with county’s history), workshops (for hands-on learning experiences) etc. Our research library provides access not only primary sources but also secondary sources like books written by historians about county’s history which can be used by researchers who want delve deeper into particular topic related with county’s past.
The History Center has been serving Olmsted County since 1926 when it was founded as The Old Settlers' Association Museum. Over time it has evolved into what it is today - an institution dedicated not only preserving but also interpreting this region's rich heritage so that future generations may appreciate their roots better than ever before!
We are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm except major holidays like Christmas Day or Thanksgiving Day when we remain closed. Admission fees vary depending upon age group but discounts are available for groups larger than ten people who book in advance online via website or phone call at least two weeks prior their visit date/time slot reservation request.
In conclusion, if you're looking for an enriching experience that will deepen your understanding of Olmsted County's past while providing entertainment value too then look no further than The History Center! We hope you'll come visit us soon!