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Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 3pm

Steele County Historical Society

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Owatonna, MN
Steele County Historical Society

Preserving the history of Steele County, MN
History Center, Village of Yesteryear, Orphanage Museum

The Steele County Historical Society (SCHS) was established in 1949 to preserve the history of Steele County. In 1962 with the arrival of the S**O Church, the Village of Yesteryear was created. Now with 19 structures, one of the latest acquisitions being Gus' Station, the Village has become a landmark in the county and a historic treasure with visitors from all over the United States and many othe

r countries. The 3.3 Million Dollar History Center features a rotating exhibit hall, Genealogy Room, meeting rooms and a gift shop. The Steele County Historical Society merged with the Owatonna Orphanage Museum in January 2022, furthering our ability to preserve and share the history of Steele County.

05/28/2026

A huge thank you to the group of volunteers from Federated Insurance for coming on Tuesday to work in the Village of Yesteryear! We truly appreciate your time, hard work, and commitment to helping preserve and support our local history. Your team’s efforts make a meaningful difference in our community, and we are grateful for your partnership and generosity.

Thank you for giving back and helping keep history alive in Steele County!

05/27/2026

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰?
Maud Van Buren (1869 – 1959) graduated from Pratt Institute Library School in Brooklyn, New York, and was hired as the Owatonna Public Library’s third librarian in 1902.

Van Buren introduced innovated services, including services to those outside the city. The Owatonna Public Library was the first to offer county-wide services in the state. The Art Room was completed in 1903 and was used to show exhibits. It was considered a model for libraries across the state. Van Buren served as president of Minnesota Library Association.

Even though she was known throughout Minnesota as "one of the most industrious and efficient librarians in the state,” the Library Board did not renew her contract in 1906, for unknown reasons. Citizens protested at a public meeting and more than 600 residents signed petitions to retain her, but she gracefully accepted the Board’s decision.

Van Buren moved on to the new Mankato Library, where she eventually became immortalized in the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace. Fourteen years later, the Owatonna Library Board asked her to return—and she did.

05/26/2026

🦆 Back in stock! 🦆
The Artistic Legacy of Jim Killen has returned to our shelves. This beautiful collection celebrates the legacy of artist and conservationist Jim Killen, featuring stunning unpublished images that were discovered by his family shortly after his passing that every hunting and conservation enthusiast will appreciate.

Stop by and grab your copy while supplies last!

05/18/2026

Due to a scheduling conflict with a school tour tomorrow's Print Shop Workshop is cancelled.

05/15/2026

🎨 BUILT FOR PLAY: A Tribute to Cory Dotson

Join us for a heartwarming, hands-on exhibit celebrating the life and craftsmanship of local master woodworker Cory Dotson (1960–2026). From beautifully crafted cabinetry to whimsical rocking horses, motorcycles, and even yard-size games, Cory’s creations were made to spark joy across generations.

🗓 May 20–22 | 10 AM – 4 PM
🗓 Saturday, May 23 | 10 AM – 3 PM

📍 Steele County Historical Society – Wenger Room
1700 Austin Rd, Owatonna, MN

🎟 Tickets: $5 at the door
👶 Kids 5 and under: FREE

Bring the whole family to explore interactive displays and celebrate a legacy built with creativity, care, and community spirit. Proceeds support the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum.

Come play, explore, and be inspired 💛

05/04/2026

It's safe to say that the young surveyor behind the public square couldn't image the number of vehicles that would travel around Central Park on weekends during the cruising days!

05/01/2026

Want to learn more about the history of printing? Our next Print Shop Program will be May 7th at 6 pm. Come to the Village of Yesteryear's Print Shop to learn letter press techniques and the workings of a historic print shop. This program is free and open to the public of all ages.

04/27/2026

The site of the Morehouse sawmill evolved into a flourmill operated by Adam Simpson in the early 1880s. Around 1901 the mill was sold to Leonard Virtue and in 1903, Hector Hastings purchased the mill. Finally, in 1909, Hastings in turn sold it to the L. G. Campbell Milling Company. In 1909 the dam was rebuilt, replacing all the woodwork with concrete and cement.

The Simpson Mill (pictured in the post) was the birthplace of one of Minnesota’s most loved companies. John Campbell, son of L. G., founded the Campbell Cereal Company in Owatonna in 1919, using the Owatonna Creamery for the first factory. His hot cereal product was perfected in the old Simpson Mill, using a blend of toasted malt and wheat farina. In 1927, production was moved to the Ames Mill in Northfield. One of the reasons for the move to Northfield was that the river there offered more water than the Straight River did in Owatonna.

Adapted from History of Rice and Steele Counties by Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge, 1910.

Good to know if you're ever in an Owatonna trivia contest.

04/25/2026

Steve Marking, portraying conservationist Will Dilg, brought his inspirational program to cap off the 2026 SCHS Grassland Gala. Dilg was responsible for forming the Izaak Walton League and getting the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge legislation passed.

He also gave his presentation to Biology and Ag classes at OHS.

You're invited to view our Land, Air, Water exhibit at the History Center to learn more about local conservation efforts over the years. Admission is free.

Address

1700 Austin Road
Owatonna, MN
55060

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 3pm

Telephone

+15074511420

Website

http://www.schsmn.org/

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