About the Steele County Historical Society
Founded in 1949, the Steele County Historical Society (SCHS) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Steele County.
Explore the Village of Yesteryear, featuring 19 historic structures, and the History Center, home to exhibits, a gift shop, and the Zamboni Genealogy, Archives, and Research Library.
In 2022, SCHS merged with the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum. Located at 540 West Hills Circle, the museum preserves the stories of the thousands of children who lived at the Minnesota State Public School from 1886–1945 and the Owatonna State School from 1945–1970.
Together, our collections, exhibits, programs, and historic sites connect people to the stories that shaped our community—and help preserve them for generations to come.
History – Timeline of Steele County
Click here to view the Steele County Historical Society Timeline of Steele County.
Mission
Mission
Preserving and sharing history today for tomorrow.
Vision
The Steele County Historical Society is a dynamic organization serving our audiences through public programs, research, stewardship, and through our consistent visibility. We will strive to be a credible educational resource, a welcoming gathering place, an active partner, and a forward-looking institution.
Values
To fulfill our vision and mission, the Steele County Historical Society will uphold the following values:
Stewardship & Integrity
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We will responsibly care for and protect the resources entrusted to us.
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We will be honest, transparent, and open in all our communications and dealings with the public.
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We will be accountable to, and responsible for our actions and commitments.
Customer Service & Building Relationships
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We will provide for, and respond to our audiences’ changing needs.
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We will treat our visitors with respect, dignity, and courtesy.
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We will foster and engage in reciprocal relationships for the benefit of all participants.
Partnering & Inclusiveness
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We will strategically foster and maintain long-term mutually beneficial partnerships.
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We will be consistent in our effort to reflect the demographics and diversity of our ever-changing community.
Visibility & Resource Credibility
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We will engage with our community through public programs, events, and all forms of media.
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We will grow as a state-wide and global resource through public programs, events, partnerships, and all forms of media.
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We will endeavor to provide documented, balanced, and objective information through public programs, events, information request responses, and all forms of media.