Upcoming Programming at the Steele County Historical Society

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

2026

Programs and Events- Recurring Monthly

History Partners Memory Cafe

Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the Month, at 10:00 am January 13 & 27, February 10 & 24, March 10 & 24, April 14 & 28, May 12 & 26, June 9 & 23, July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25, September 8 & 22, October 13 & 27, November 10 & 24, December 8 & 22.

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.

Genealogy Club

First Tuesday of the Month, 10:00 am session. January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, November 3, December 1.

Third Thursday of the Month, 6:00 pm session. January 15, February 19, March 19, April 17, May 21, June 18, July 16, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17.

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 the ladies recommend bringing the following materials.

Hardanger Supply List:

Material- 22 count even weave material
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.
Needles- Size 22 for the size 5 thread and 24 for the size 8 thread.
Embroidery Scissors- small and very sharp used for cutting away threads in the woven cloth.
Embroidery hoop- holds the cloth in place and slightly stretched to see the thread more clearly.
Needle threader
Ruler- helps to see that your stitches are correctly placed.
Suggested:
- Liquid embroidery glue (for those "oops" moments when cutting the threads).
- Magnifying glass- worn around the neck or as a pair of glasses.
- A really good craft light.
- Pair of tweezers for removing cut threads.

Letter Press Shop

First Thursday of the Month, 6:00 pm session. February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3.

Third Tuesday of the Month, 10:00 am session. February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, September 15, October 20, November 17, December 15.

Do you have an interest in learning the art of letterpress printing? You're invited to join our new group! The purpose of this free program is to share in learning about letterpress techniques- including press usage and maintenance, type identification, along with the creation of items for the Village. Additional time will be made available for personal creations and make-and-take items. Participants may also help demonstrate the "life of a print shop" during group tours and SCHS events. The first sessions will be February 5, at 6 PM and February 17, at 10 AM. Then letterpress activities will be held the first Thursday at 6 PM and the third Tuesday at 10 AM of each month. There will also be a monthly workday for program participants. Dates and times to be determined by the participants and the instructor.

January

22- Bold and Cold: Blizzard of 91' Discussion Panel

Join us on Thursday, January 22 at the History Center for a discussion panel featuring locals who responded to the sudden storm, helped with recovery efforts, or just lived through it. Panelists include: Jerry Lewison, Milo Dahlin, Barb Kasper, and Deb Gillard

Come Share your Halloween Blizzard Stories!

February

14- Victorian Tea

Saturday, February 4 at 10:30 and 1:00 pm SCHS will offer two tea sittings at the Dunnell House. This year participants will learn about Victoria Men's Fashion. Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Space is limited and reservations are due by Tuesday, February 10.

Menu includes:

Frozen Strawberry Mocktails

Ham & Cheese Crepes

Raspberry Scone

Fresh Fruit

Lemon Dessert

This program is sponsored by Lonna Lysne.

24- Business After Hours at the History Center

The History Center will be the co-host of the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours along with the Owatonna Izaak Walton League beginning at 5:30 pm. Food and drinks for the event will be provided by Hyvee.

March

16- Annual Meeting

Monday, March 16- SCHS welcomes all members to the Annual Meeting held during the Board Meeting. We will recap the past year and look towards our 2026 goals. Members will be provided the new 2026 budget.

April

24- SCHS Gala Dinner

Join the Steele County Historical Society as we celebrate the entertainment history of Steele County. The 2026 Gala will be on Friday, April 24 at the History Center.

The evening begins with a social hour at 5:00 pm featuring a cash bar provided by Grapeful Wine Bar.

Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm. This year's meal is provided by the Historic Hubbell House. Guests have their choice of a smoked porkchop, chicken with a raspberry sauce, or salmon with a citrus butter sauce. The meal will be served with a chopped salad, baked potato with sour cream, garlic toast, and dessert.

Tickets are $65 for SCHS Members and $75 for Non-Members. Reservations will open on January 15th. Please call 507-451-1420 to register.

The 2026 SCHS Gala: Land, Air, Water was sponsored by Rita Stillwater

May

June

28- Jazz Jam in the Village with H30 Trio!

This year's Jazz Jam will be in the Village of Yesteryear. The Village benches will be available for seating, but feel free to bring your lawn chair.

July

12- Extravaganza

12:00-4:00 pm Village of Yesteryear

Free

Join us for the 40th Annual Extravaganza in the Village of Yesteryear. There will be live demonstrators selling their merchandise. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

This event is sponsored by Baker Tech Services with hot dogs and brats provided by Steve's Meat Market.

August

17- Steele County' Wahpekute Dakota

On the Monday of fair week, SCHS will host a presentation about the Wahpekute Dakota. Presented by Jeff Jarvis.

18-23- Steele County Free Fair

Just a short walk from the fairgrounds, take a break at the History Center and the Village of Yesteryear. There is something fun for the whole family. Live music, children's activities, vintage candy and floats, and Milo's Kettle Corn.

29- Blues in the Village

Join SCHS in welcoming the Mark Cameron Band to the Village of Yesteryear for a performance. The Village benches will be available for seating, but feel free to bring your lawn chair.

This event is sponsored by Lonna Lysne.

September

3- 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.

October

8, 10, & 17- 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 Saturdays, October 10 and 17. 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.

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.

3 & 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.

3- Holiday Sip and Shop

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.

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!