HCOC Welcomes New Community Engagement & Events Coordinator
Hi! My name is Abby Currier and I am thrilled to join the History Center team. Although I am originally from New Hampshire, I just finished my graduate work at Indiana University in Indianapolis. Having received my bachelor of arts degree from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, I have a strong background in the Civil War. I am new to Rochester and Minnesota but am excited about exploring my new state and learning more about this area. I can't wait to meet you at our upcoming events!
A Historically Howling Halloween at HCOC
We had a great time putting together our first virtual get together and would like to thank our creepy conclave of collaborators including John Penny, Steven Hobert - fireflyforest music, and Hey Original Storytelling - www.donnyrowles.com, and sponsored by Frank-N-Steins! We appreciate all who joined us for the eerie evening of creepy cocktails and conversation.

Even though the Creepy Doll Contest has passed, you can still see just how creepy the dolls are at HCOC through November!

Congratulations Creepy Contestant Kristen

Kristen took first place in our Creepy Doll Dress up Pageant.
Thanks to all the creepy contestants in the who took part in the pageant we hope to see you back next year!
You Light Up My Life!
History Center Awarded Grant

Have you noticed dusk arriving earlier and earlier? Shortening daylight is not pleasant, nor is it a surprise—it is November, after all. What was a pleasant surprise was the History Center receiving a $159,164 grant to replace and upgrade lighting in our exhibit spaces and collection storage areas. That news surely brightened up our day.

This Legacy grant award is the culmination of a two year project to remedy the museum’s inadequate and inefficient lighting. A 2018 grant award allowed us to evaluate the lighting system in the collection storage and work areas along with the exhibit space. From this evaluation, HCOC received a report recommending the installation of new LED lights and motion sensors which would be more energy efficient, produce less harmful rays that can damage museum collections, turn off when visitors are not present, and provide a more even illumination of the space. To implement this project HCOC applied for and received a Legacy Grant to install new lights and motion sensors. Work for this project will be carried out in 2021 and will enhance the collections care and visitor experience at the History Center of Olmsted County.

Legacy Grant funds cannot be used for operating cost--only for eligible projects. 
Lighting in our exhibit space is currently inefficient and inadequate for illumination but produces excessive energy waves that can damage museum collections.
The Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program —also known as Legacy Grants — is a competitive process created to provide financial support for projects focused on preserving Minnesota’s history and culture. This state-funded program is made possible by the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, created through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008.
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1195 West Circle Drive SW
Rochester, MN 55902
Phone Number:
 507-282-9447