The Mower County Historical Society is looking for the public’s help in recovering an object stolen from one of its exhibits late Friday afternoon.

The item, an old ID pin used at Hormel in the 1930s and 40s, was part of a complimentary exhibit running with the Minnesota Historical Society’s Minnesota Homefront exhibit.

Volunteers initially suspected the theft happened between 1 and 6 p.m., but volunteers were able to narrow that down to between 4 and 6 p.m.

“The curator scheduled at 6 p.m., did a sweep to make sure everything was still there and noticed it was gone,” said Dustin Heckman, executive director of the MCHS.

Heckman said the pin was used by Hormel employees much like ID badges today, allowing them to move throughout the plant. The item was valued at $200.

“For us it’s irreplaceable,” Heckman said.

Heckman said he has MCHS volunteers watching Ebay in case it shows up there. Anybody with information on the theft should contact the Austin Police Department or Mower County Sheriff’s Department.

“This is why we have volunteers in the building watching over [the exhibits],” Heckman said. “We notice something missing we report it immediately.”

“In my five years here this has never happened,” He continued. “The public should be aware that if people donate something to us it will be protected.