I have recently been asked to speak on the topic of the “Gift of Sharing Community History.”

The title had me stumped for a while, but I am now able to see that preserving the history of something keeps it alive.  Throughout history every person, place, object and event has a story that was important to someone at some time.

Sharing that story with others can be a gift to them if they are willing to hear it. The history is always there, but unless someone makes the effort to preserve it for others no one will learn from and appreciate it, it will be forgotten, like it never happened.

As you may know, being a “historian” was never a part of my career plan, but after spending over three years focused on preserving a specific piece of our community’s past, I have become quite fond of sharing what I have learned.

My perspective has changed as I now view people and places as a continuum that began long before the present time. Trends change, technology advances, people develop new skills, but all that happens because of something that occurred in the past. We build on what we already have, what someone has already given us. Even creating something brand new is based on something that already exists that is not serving the purpose we think it should.

I am not trying to say I became a “historian” overnight. The only reason I know what I do about the Hormel family is because several family members saw the value in preserving their history by writing it down. Newspapers see the value of recording events for people to read now, but those articles become the history keeper for the future. They are sharing today what will be a gift to someone tomorrow, and they are a rich resource that have also helped me learn about the Hormel’s history.

Eleanor Roosevelt is credited with saying that “Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is Mystery, Today is a Gift.”  Her message is clear that we have to appreciate each day because we don’t know what tomorrow brings.  But I would like to offer that if you change the words around a bit, it could read “Yesterday’s history is a gift for today and a lesson for tomorrow.”  We should cherish our history as a gift and apply it to both our present and future lives.  History is a gift to us all and I hope you will share yours.”

 Art (and Music) for Autism

6 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, April 1, 2016

Local musician and artist, Jesse Smith, will entertain with guitar music before leading participants in the creation of an atmospheric perspective in watercolor.  Snacks will be provided and a cash bar will be available. All proceeds benefit the HHH summer programming for youth on the Autism Spectrum.

Cost is $25 and registration is required at the Hormel Historic Home. Call 507-433-4243 or register at www.hormelhistorichome.org

 Hearth & Home Series

10 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, free

Benefits of Music Therapy, presented by Jane Laine, Music Therapy Manager at MacPhail Center for Music. Learn about this established health profession that builds on the power of music for all ages and abilities.