By Holly Johnson

Hormel Historic Home.

“Thank you for the wonderful morning at the Hormel House-interesting family and the house is breath taking.  Your volunteers truly gave us the royal treatment.  We saw one of your volunteers at the library later in the day…Great to have such supportive people in the community.  Wish we lived a bit closer as the concerts in the garden sound like a fun way to spend some time.”

These are the words of a tour group guide who recently brought a busload of more than 50 people from Northfield to Austin. Hearing her thoughts convinces me yet again that the Hormel Historic Home is fulfilling the legacy of the Hormel family by preserving and sharing their history and offering hospitality.

Her words should also make the people of Austin proud that others recognize the great community we have.  Northfield has its own rich history, so to hear praise from people in that area means a great deal.

All kinds of groups have visited the HHH throughout the years. We have welcomed groups of youth and seniors alike to participate in a German Cookie Bake and tour. Scout troops visit on occasion (at no charge), and many Red Hat Clubs find this a fun outing for their groups. People from churches, senior centers, schools, bank clubs, and businesses are looking for ways to discover new places and experience new things. They have come from far and near, and I am glad Austin has so much to offer them and that our Convention and Visitors Bureau works hard to bring them here.

Offering tours is a large part of the mission of the Hormel Historic Home.  By doing so we are providing an educational look into the rich history of our small but vital town.  In order to give our guests time to read the storyboards, look in all the rooms, and ask questions, we try to keep the guided tours to about 12 people per guide. That means we often need several guides at once. If you enjoy talking to people from all over and appreciate the beauty and history of the Hormel’s home please contact me at 507-433-4243 or holly@hormelhistorichome.org about joining our group of volunteer guides.

 What’s happening the HHH

Wednesday, June 19, 6:30 p.m.

First of four free Garden Concerts in 2013.  For the second year Twin Cities duo KooKooKangaRoo will perform their energetic blend of the Beastie Boys and Sesame Street. This will be fun for the entire family.

Monday, July 1, 6:30 p.m.

A return visit by the Austin Community Jazz Band is sure to entertain in our garden.  What a great way to kick off your Fourth of July celebrations. This free concert will be fun for the whole family.