Please enjoy the reflection below from the Hormel Historic Home summer intern, Isabel Mattick.  Isabel is a rising Senior at Austin High School, and our organization has benefited greatly by having her join our team this summer.

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My experience as the summer intern for the Hormel Historic Home has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve been embraced by both the employees and the volunteers, who have been nothing but kind to me as I navigated my new position. In the past, the few things I knew about the Hormel family were related to Spam.

I was surprised to learn about the rich history of the family and all the support they provided for the Austin community. Before I started, I was apprehensive to be working in such an old house for fear of breaking something important. But my uncertainties were quickly dispelled when I became a part of the comfortable and friendly environment that the staff created.

Not to say that the historic home is boring; each day is filled with a mixture of events, meetings, and tours. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, they happen at the same time. This hectic atmosphere has taken me out of my comfort zone and given me the chance to do things I wouldn’t have tried before. A few months ago, I never would have pictured myself giving information to tour groups.

In addition to trying new things, this position has helped me greatly improve my competence regarding several computer applications. Through a variety of spreadsheets and the creation of programs for the free concerts, I’ve been able to expand my knowledge. This, along with a few other skills I’ve acquired, will assist me as I go on to college and into the workforce.

While I don’t plan on working at a historic home in the future, I’ll treasure the memories I made at the chaotic house museum. Holly and Amanda, amongst others, were there to guide me and help me feel at ease in the unfamiliarity. As the summer comes to a close and I reflect on my time at the Hormel Historic Home, I can gladly look back and say that I made a good decision by choosing to apply for this position.

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This crazy chaotic house will miss you Isabel.

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David Stokes Nature Program

6 p.m., Monday, Aug. 26

David Stokes is a popular family entertainer/educator/naturalist who likes to share songs, stories, sign-language and humor when giving children and adults opportunities to engage in nature. There will be live frogs, turtles, snakes, mice, insects and fish that children can touch, see and interact with.

10 Year Anniversary Celebration of the Carriage Hall Event Center

2-6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 8

History, food, and fun. Free for the community.