If you weren’t at the Hormel Historic Home on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 10 a.m. you missed a great opportunity to learn about our beloved local product: Spam.

As a part of our Hearth & Home education series, Savile Lord spoke about the history of Spam and served a tasty menu of items showcasing the Spam Brand.

Assisted by two Spambassadors, Terri and Guinevere, Savile, the museum manager, shared that since its opening in April, more than 80,000 people have visited the newest attraction on Austin’s Main Street.

She said they have come from all 50 states and from 50 countries. The Hormel Historic Home has also welcomed record number of guests to tour the home since the museum opened. We owe a “Thank You” to the passionate team of Spambassadors who are encouraging people to visit us and other stores and attractions in our community.

Savile began the presentation to a crowd of 25 with an introduction of Mezclita, a new Spam product introduced this year. The Puerto Rican-inspired product is a spreadable and versatile product that will liven up any two pieces of bread. The guests at Hearth & Home were served a small piece of crispy toast topped with the spread.

Spambassabor Guinevere then told the story of the naming of Spam. With passion, she explained how actor, Ken Daigneau was awarded $100 for his creation of the name Spam. We will probably never know the true meaning of the combination of the four letters that mean so much to Austinites, but the canned meat revolution they have inspired seems to be unstoppable.  Guinevere also discussed the impact of Spam during World War II, and how its very existence gave sustenance to war torn Europe.

The second course during the presentation was a breakfast burrito filled with Chorizo flavored Spam. Topped with a mild taco sauce, the burrito was a big hit. To end the presentation, the Spam Museum team, served a salty and sweet dessert complete with Hickory flavored Spam, peaches, caramel sauce and Bleu cheese. Don’t wrinkle your nose, it was great.

In closing, Savile said that Spam is special because it tells a story.  She shared the story of why her own father relates to the product and said that visitors to the Spam Museum often tell their own tales about Spamin their lives. I believe that Jay Hormel, who grew up in the Hormel Historic Home, would be pleased to know of the continued adoration for his “Miracle Meat in a Can.”

The Hormel Historic Home wants to provide meaningful and enjoyable programs through the Hearth & Home Series.  The Spam Museum team helped us achieve that last week. For more inspiration, please consider joining the program on Nov. 15, when Hy-Vee’s Chef Kristine talks about Creative Crockpot Cooking.

Best Bartender Contest Fundraiser

Doors open at 5 p.m., Contest at 6 p.m.,

Wednesday, Oct. 26

Choose your favorite bartender after they compete in 8 challenges. Food available for purchase by the B&J. Live Music by JT Thompson. $5 at the door.

Storytelling Festival featuring Michael Cotter and Friends

Nov. 4 (5:30 p.m. dinner and show)

and Nov. 5 (7:30 p.m. show only)

Be entertained and inspired by Michael, Bev Jackson Cotter, Chuck Suchy, and Nothandu Zulu.

$30 per person for Nov. 4 show and dinner, $15 per person for Nov. 5 show. On Saturday, get to know the tellers and open mic storytelling, $10 per person 9 a.m.