Upcoming Programs
The Steele County Historical Society is dedicated to producing educational programming for the benefit of our members and our community. Programs are held at the History Center throughout the year and explore a variety of topics that relate to our county's history. Many of these programs are free and open to the public, so make sure to check back frequently to see what we have on the calendar!
​ Upcoming Events and Programs
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2025​
Programs and Events- Recurring Monthly
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History Partners Memory Cafe
Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the Month, at 10:00 amJanuary 14 & 28, February 11 & 25, March 11 & 25, April 8 & 22, May 13 & 27, June 10 & 24, July 8 & 22, August 26, September 9 & 23, October 14 & 28, November 11 & 25, December 9 & 23. ​
This free program is open to people living with mild to moderate cognitive impairment and their caregivers. This in-person program, which provides a social activity in a safe environment, connects family and friends with community services in the area. If you are new to the program, please call 507-451-1420. ​
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Thank you to our 2025 contributing sponsor, Olmsted Medical Center.
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Genealogy Club
First Tuesday of the Month, 10:00 am session. January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2.
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Third Thursday of the Month, 6:00 pm session. January 28, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, December 18.
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Whether you are new to genealogy or a seasoned family history researcher, we hope you'll join us! Each meeting offers a new topic and genealogy assistance. Free to SCHS members and $5 per meeting for non-members.
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Hardanger Work Sessions
Third Tuesday of the Month, 2:00 - 4:00 pm.
SCHS is partnering with a local Hardanger Group to help preserve this precious folk craft. This group of ladies enjoy getting together to work on their projects. Many of the ladies are members of the Owatonna Sons of Norway, but you don't have to be Norwegian to enjoy learning about Hardanger!
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Hardanger embroidery is most often done with thick white thread on white cloth. To be considered Hardanger, the project must also include decorative cut-work, often embellished with thinner white thread.
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As Hardanger is almost a lost art, they are offering lessons to anyone who would be interested in learning how to do Hardanger embroidery. If you are completely new to the craft, considering attending one of the work sessions to learn more. If you are already familiar and want to jump right in the ladies recommend bringing the following materials.
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Hardanger Supply List:
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Material- 22 count even weave material
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Thread- Sizes 5 and 8. Size 5 is the largest thread in the kit, used for the embroidery stitches. Size 8 is used for the filler stitches after cutting away parts of the material.
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Needles- Size 22 for the size 5 thread and 24 for the size 8 thread.
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Embroidery Scissors- small and very sharp used for cutting away threads in the woven cloth.
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Embroidery hoop- holds the cloth in place and slightly stretched to see the thread more clearly.
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Needle threader
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Ruler- helps to see that your stitches are correctly placed.
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Suggested:
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Liquid embroidery glue (for those "oops" moments when cutting the threads).
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Magnifying glass- worn around the neck or as a pair of glasses.
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A really good craft light.
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Pair of tweezers for removing cut threads. ​
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January
30- Souper Sweet Fundraiser Dinner
Join us on Thursday, January 30 at the History Center for a sit-down Soup Souper and Sweet Treat Live Auction. All proceeds raised will go towards HVAC software upgrades.
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Tickets are $15 per person for the all-you-can-eat dinner. The menu includes turkey wild rice, chili, tomato basil soup, salad, rolls, and bars. Dinner will be served at 5:00 pm.
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The Sweet Treat Live Auction will begin at 6:00 pm. Bid on delectable treats made by SCHS volunteers.
Reserve your place at the dinner by Monday, January 27. Please call 507-451-1420 to reserve your seat.
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This event is sponsored by Rocon Inc.
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February
8- Victorian Tea
Saturday, February 8 at 10:30 and 1:00 pm SCHS will offer two tea sittings at the Dunnell House. This year participants will learn about dating and courtship etiquette in the Victorian Era. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Space is limited and reservations are due by Monday, February 3.
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Menu includes:
Frozen Strawberry Mocktails
Sausage and Cheese Quiche
Chocolate Chip Scone
Ham & Cheese Open-Face Sandwich on Rye
Green Salad with Lemon Dressing
Chocolate Mousse with a Shortbread Cookie.
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This program is sponsored by Rita Stilwell.
March
17- Annual Meeting
Monday, March 17- SCHS welcomes all members to the Annual Meeting held during the Board Meeting. We will recap the past year and look towards our 2025 goals. Members will be provided the new budget and proposed bylaw revisions.
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22- Genealogy Games Live- Clue?
Saturday, March 22, at 10:00 am join us at the Owatonna Arts Center as we hold the second Annual Genealogy Games Live. Historic people, places and objects from Steele County will be in play! Was it Galen Merrill at the Owatonna Public Library with the Drum Major Baton? This program is free for SCHS members and $5 for non-members.
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April
12- The Exaggerated History of Steele County
Join us on Saturday, April 12 at 1:00 pm at the History Center. Have you heard whispers about Princess Owatonna, gold mines, Jesse James, and other intriguing tales from Steele County's past? Join local historians Anne Peterson and Nancy Vaillancourt, the self-branded History Hags, as they delve into the truth behind these local legends. This program is free for SCHS members and $5 for non-members.
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If you have a story, you're curious about, feel free to reach out to the Steele County Historical Society by calling 507-451-1420 or sending an email to anne.peterson@owatonna.gov.
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21- Volunteer Appreciation
All SCHS volunteers are invited to dinner at the History Center! We want to celebrate all the time and dedication our volunteers give to help SCHS serve Steele County. Dinner will be served at 5:00 pm. Please call 507-451-1420 or stop into RSVP.
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25- SCHS Gala Dinner
Join the Steele County Historical Society as we celebrate the entertainment history of Steele County. The 2025 Gala will be on Friday, April 25 at the History Center.
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The evening begins with a social hour at 5:00 pm featuring a cash bar and live music played on an Edison Amberola.
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Dinner will be served at 6:00 pm. This year's meal is provided by the Historic Hubbell House. Guests have their choice of an 8oz petite sirloin or salmon with a citrus butter sauce. The meal will be served with a chopped salad, baked potato with sour cream, garlic toast, and cake.
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Tickets are $50 for SCHS Members and $65 for Non-Members. Please call 507-451-1420 by April 11, 2025, to reserve your seats for this special night.
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The 2025 SCHS Gala: Hollywood Night at the Museum is sponsored by North Risk Partners.
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May
10- Rosemaling Workshop with Lyn Rein of MOD Nordia Arts
10:00 - 2:00 pm at the History Center.
Free​
Class is limited 8 participants and must be ages 14+.
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Discover the beauty of Rosemaling, the traditional Norwegian folk art, in this special workshop led by third- generation rosemaler, Lyn Rein of Mor og Datter Nordic Arts. This program will explore the history and traditions of rosemaling, followed by a hands-on session where you will learn essential brush strokes and designs. You'll have your own hand-painted rosemaling ornament to take home.
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This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.
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Lunch will be provided.
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Call 507-451-1420 to register.
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June
22- Jazz Jam in the Village with H30 Trio!
Due to maintenance on the water tower, we are moving this year's Jazz Jam to the Village of Yesteryear.
The Village benches will be available to seating, but feel free to bring your lawn chair. New this year
Milo's Popcorn will be available for purchase. Beverages will be available from the Beaver Lake Pop stand.
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July
12- Lacemaking Workshop with Minnesota Lace Society
10:00 - 4:00 pm at the History Center.
Free
Class is limited to 24 participants and must be 10+.
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Join us for a special Lacemaking Workshop, led by Minnesota Lace Society members. This hands-on program will introduce participants to the intricate art of bobbin lace and tatting. You'll learn the history of lacemaking, gain fundamental skills in both techniques, and complete two small, finished projects to take home.
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This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.
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Lunch will be provided.
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Call 507-451-1420 to register.
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13- Extravaganza
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August
11- Steele County Prisoner of War Camp Program
12-17- Steele County Free Fair
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September
6- Onward and Upward: Ladies of the Stage
This program is sponsored by Joni Mosher and Berniece Schroht
13- Orphanage Museum Fall Celebration
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October
9 & 11- Murder Mystery Dinner at the Dunnell House
25- Flashlight Fright Night
The event is sponsored by Curt's Truck and Diesel.
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November
15- Children's Victorian Tea
This program is sponsored by Mary Anne and Matt Higgins
17- Membership & Awards Dinner
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December
3-5- Holiday Tours of the Village
3 & 4- Holiday Cookie Sale
6- Christmas in the Village
This event is sponsored by Viracon.
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Check back soon for future Events and Programs at the Steele County Historical Society!
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