History Center of Olmsted County

The Olmsted County Historical Society (OCHS), a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) institution, is leading heritage resource center in the Rochester area. Due to the number and size of OCHS’s facilities, as well as the volume and significance of its collection, it is imperative that the organization develop a Comprehensive Interpretive Plan to define and prioritize interpretive programs. The plan will include statements of significance, primary site-wide themes, audience categories, long-range vision of programming, and implementation summaries (Individual Service Plans) with action steps. This planning process will identify the various interpretive services (exhibits, trails, brochures, etc.)that most effectively interpret primary site-wide themes. Extending over 12 months, the project is divided into three phases. Since this planning is dependant on community input, the first phase will focus on recruiting stakeholders to participate in the workshops. Phase two will convene workshops to identify audiences, theme, and programs. Phase three will finalize components of the plan, including the matrix (a five-year chart of programming), narrative, and Individual Services Plans for 2,000 interpretive programs. The final plan will help OCHS create and improve interpretive programs, thereby appealing to broader audiences and making personal connections between visitors and the organization’s resources.