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!
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Upcoming September - November 2024 Events and Programs
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​​History Partners Memory Cafe
Tuesday, August 27
10:00am
History Center's Wenger Room
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Community Show and Tell
Thursday, August 29
6:00pm
History Center's Wenger Room
Back by popular demand, this program gives you the opportunity to bring something fascinating, historically significant, unique, or just “cool” to share with those in attendance. The event is free and open to the public.
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Genealogy Club
Tuesday, September 3
10:00am
History Center's Lange Theater
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Onward and Upward: Our Rural Heritage Panel Discussion and Brunch
Saturday, September 7
9:30am
Come join the fun on Saturday, September 7 as the Steele County Historical Society welcomes four local women to discuss their experiences in the agricultural field. This year's panelists include Donna Ihlenfeld, Dawn Kasper, Melinda Cowell, and Amanda Armstrong. The program and brunch will begin at 9:30 am with the cost being $20 for SCHS members and $25 for non-members. Brunch includes a breakfast quiche, sweet rolls, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, and juice.
Call 507-451-1420 to reserve your place by Tuesday, September 3.
This program is sponsored by Central Farm Services.
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History Partners Memory Cafe
Tuesday, September 10
10:00am
History Center's Wenger Room
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Tea Social
Thursday, September 19
1:30pm
History Center's Lange Theater
This program is free to SCHS members and $2 for non-members.
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Genealogy Club
Thursday, September 19
6:00pm
History Center's Lange Theater
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Orphanage Museum Fall Celebration
Tuesday, September 21
Noon- 4:00pm
West Hills Campus
Join the Steele County Historical Society at the Orphanage Museum in September for an afternoon celebrating the State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children. This annual event brings the State School era to life with character reenactors, lawn games, crafts, horse-drawn wagon rides, food, and so much more.​
This event helps preserve the legacy of the Minnesota State Public School and serves to educate people on the lives of the 10,635 children who were placed here. The Orphanage Museum is a one-of-a-kind piece of Minnesota's history that we are honored to share. This free, family-friendly event takes place on the West Hills campus, the original home of Minnesota State Public School and includes tours of the main museum and Cottage 11.
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History Partners Memory Cafe
Tuesday, September 24
10:00am
History Center's Wenger Room
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Genealogy Club
Tuesday, October 1
10:00am
History Center's Lange Theater
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History Partners Memory Cafe
Tuesday, October 8
10:00am
History Center's Wenger Room
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Tea Social
Thursday, October 17
1:30pm
History Center's Lange Theater
This program is free to SCHS members and $2 for non-members.
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Genealogy Club
Thursday, October 17
6:00pm
History Center's Lange Theater
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History Partners Memory Cafe
Tuesday, October 22
10:00am
History Center's Wenger Room
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Flashlight Fright Night
Saturday, October 26
4:30-7:30 pm
Village of Yesteryear
In partnership with the Little Theater of Owatonna, 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. LTO actors will be sharing scary and paranormal stories from Steele County and Southern Minnesota's history. This event is free and open to the public. Parent discretion is advised as some of the stories may not be suitable for young children.
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Genealogy Club
Tuesday, November 5
10:00am
History Center's Lange Theater
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History Partners Memory Cafe
Tuesday, November 12
10:00am
History Center's Wenger Room
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Children's Victorian Tea
Saturday, November 16
10:30 am and 1:00 pm
Dunnell House, Village of Yesteryear
Attention young ladies and gentlemen, you are cordially invited to a tea luncheon at the historic Dunnell House. This program will include an educational program, take-home craft activity, and a kid-friendly tea luncheon with a selection of sandwiches and treats. Menu will be published in early fall. Cost is $10 per person. Parents and guardians are asked to RSVP by Tuesday, November 12. There are two sessions, so please let us know which time you prefer when registering.
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Tea Social
Thursday, November 21
1:30pm
History Center's Lange Theater
This program is free to SCHS members and $2 for non-members.
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Genealogy Club
Thursday, November 21
6:00pm
History Center's Lange Theater
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History Partners Memory Cafe
Tuesday, November 26
10:00am
History Center's Wenger Room
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Check back soon for future Events and Programs at the Steele County Historical Society!
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