The SCHS History Center features full accessibility, rotation exhibits and displays, and a beautiful meeting room or patio for your lunch. The Village of Yesteryear features a 19 structure pioneer village that illustrates Minnesota’s early history.

In 1962 the Society was offered the Saco Church located 7 miles southwest of Owatonna, and with the support of the Steele County Agricultural Society, the Society permanently leased a portion of the southeast section of the fairgrounds to begin a pioneer village.   The original layout was similar to the center of Owatonna and its Central Park, which was originally circular. Thus was established the Village of Yesteryear, which has grown in the years since through the additional move of historic structures, as well as museum buildings built on site.

The SCHS Exhibit Hall, a gift from the Owatonna Foundation, offers rotating exhibits.

SCHS lectures, roundtables and workshops are educational and entertaining. You are sure to learn something new!

SCHS educational programming focuses on History on Wheels, taking history lessons into the classroom when permitted and has also created virtual tours that teachers may use in their STEAM  curriculum planning.  The Village of Yesteryear also welcomes classes and day cares for interpretive trips when permitted. Steele County elementary schools may book free field trips in spring or fall.

SCHS events range from History Uncorked to live musical performances by artists such as Americana Showcase, Romantica and more!