Last week I mentioned Teddy Bear Tours, but did you know the Hormel Historic Home offers guided tours for those who want to be lead through the journey of the Hormel family story and their unique home?

The purpose of these tours is to educate guests on the life and legacy of the Hormels in our community and about the architectural environment that provided the foundation for their lifestyle while in Austin.

Why is it important to take a peek into the Hormels and their home?

•Because we need to know who influenced the community and world we live in.

•Because it is important to know what someone so influential believed in.

•Because people like to see how other people lived and what they invested in.

•Because we can learn about where modern conveniences originated.

•Because people want to find connections to people, places and events.

Common questions we hear from tourists relate to living Hormel family members. Guests are curious about the structural and decor features in the home. They want to know about Hormel Foods Co., and many are interested in learning about the contribution the Hormel family and Company have made around the world.

These inquiries confirm my position that human nature leads us to search for common ground with a period of time, a person of interest or a location to help us find our place in this vast world.

The National Geographic Traveler Magazine in 2011 identified who they recognized as top tour guides. I found a couple of their reasons for becoming guides relative to any tour experience.

Peter Hillary, expedition leader and Mount Everest climber said. “I have a genuine love for the journeys upon which I am embarking and I get pleasure out of sharing it with other people.”

Nic Polenakis, an independent guide for Africa Adventure Company, said “To me it’s all about revealing the big picture.”

According to www.traveller.com.au, “A guide is the person, should we engage them, that we entrust to bring a destination to life. And so a good guide is one who instills their passion for a destination or an experience in us … if they’re smitten (and they should be: after all, if they can’t love their destination or experience, how do they expect us to?) it’s their task to make us fall head over heels in love, too.”

That is a pretty hefty job description, but for those with the passion, the task is easy. The Hormel Historic Home is looking for people willing to share their love of history and to help people find their connection to the wider world.

There is a script, but your passion and the visitors’ interests will guide the tour. Please contact myself, Holly, at 507-433-4243 or holly@hormelhistorichome.org if you are willing to become a tour guide for the Hormel family journey.  You will be amazed at the connections you will make with people and with history.

 Board of Directors Meeting

4 p.m., Monday

 Teddy Bear Tour

9:30 a.m., Wednesday

Tours specially designed for youth ages 2-10 (and their adult guest). Cost is $4 per family (up to 3) for HHH members and $6 for non-member families (up to 3). Space is limited so please call to reserve your spot at 507-433-4243.