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.
Recurring Monthly Programs
History Partners Memory Cafe
Meets at the History Center on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, at 10:00 am.
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 and connects family and friends with community services in the area. If you are new to the program, please call 507-451-1420.
Genealogy Club
Meets twice a month at the History Center:
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First Tuesday - 10:00 am
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Third Thursday - 6:00 pm
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.
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!
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.
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, it's recommended you bring following materials:
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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Good craft light.
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Pair of tweezers for removing cut threads.
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2026 Programs & Events
September
17 - Onward and Upward
Join us Thursday, September 3rd, for a panel discussion. The topic of the panel discussion is to be determined, but will relate to our 2026 exhibit Land, Air, Water: Celebrating Conservation and Preservation in Steele County.
This event is sponsored by Lonna Lysne.
12 - Orphanage Museum Fall Celebration
Noon to 3:00 pm at the West Hills Campus
Free and Open to All
Enjoy an afternoon learning about the history of the State School and the children who lived at the State School. Add the Orphanage Museum Fall Celebration to your September calendar so you can make plans to attend.
Sponsored by Federated Insurance.
October
8 & 10 - Murder Mystery Dinner at the Dunnell House
Come for dinner, stay for the murder, solve the mystery. SCHS will be hosting two murder mystery dinners at the Dunnell House. Thursday, October 8 and Saturday, October 10. Come prepared to solve a murder. As you arrive at the Dunnell House front door, guests will be given instructions on how the evening will commence. Guests are encouraged to dress in period costume spanning the 1800s-1960s. If you survive the evening, guests will be tasked with keeping the suspects, weapons, and murder a secret or else.
24 - Village Fright Night
SCHS invites you to experience the darker side of the Village of Yesteryear. Guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight as they stroll the grounds and tour the hauntingly beautiful buildings. Actors will be sharing scary and paranormal stories from Steele County and Southern Minnesota's history. No candy will be distributed at this event. Parent discretion is advised as some stories may not be suitable for young children. This event is free and open to the public.
November
5 - Membership and Awards Dinner
Join us for the Annual Membership and Awards Dinner on Thursday, November 5, at the Steele County History Center. We will be electing 2027 Board Members, recognizing the 2026 Volunteer of the Year, and the 2026 Community Partner Award.
14 & 15 - Children's Victorian Tea
10:30 and 1:00 pm
Dunnell House
Kick off the holiday season with the annual Children’s Victorian Tea for children ages 4 to 10 years, with an adult. Enjoy a special lunch, holiday music, and the story of St. Nicholas at the Dunnell House for this very special day. Children will be given a special craft to take home. This program is sponsored by Matt and MaryAnne Higgins.
19 - Prelude to the Holidays: Sip & Shop & Candlelight Tours
History Center
Holiday shoppers are encouraged to attend the Sip and Shop. Local craft artisans and a wide- variety of area businesses will have merchandise available for purchase this evening. Guests will be able to purchase glasses of wine or beer throughout the evening! This event will be a wonderful way to start or finish your holiday shopping.
Village of Yesteryear
Come see the beautifully decorated Dunnell House for the holidays! Area nonprofit organizations and businesses will decorate the Dunnell House to the delight of adults and children this holiday season. You can also explore the village while the boardwalk is light by candlelight.
December
Christmas in the Village Activities!
2 - Holiday Cookie Sale
Wednesday, December 2 from 3:00-7:00 pm or until sold out!
It's that time of year, SCHS is calling all cookie bakers for the Holiday Cookie Sale. We are asking bakers to bake 4 to 6 dozen cookies. There will be no limit to the number of plates you can purchase. If purchasing in bulk, please bring a box.
4 - Holiday Tours of the Dunnell House
1:30 to 3:30 pm
Come see the beautifully decorated Dunnell House for the holidays! Area nonprofit organizations and businesses will decorate the Dunnell House to the delight of adults and children this holiday season.
5 - Christmas in the Village
Noon to 3:00 pm
History Center and Village of Yesteryear
Children will be able to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and listen to the Polar Express in the Bixby Depot scheduled at 12:30 and 2:30 pm. More holiday activities will be planned for the future The Dunnell House will be open for everyone to see the decorated rooms and sample fresh baked cookies.
Check back soon for future Events and Programs at the Steele County Historical Society!