Amanda Fett and I spent two and a half days in St. Paul last week attending the American Association of State and Local History conference.

The Minnesota Historical Society felt so strongly about the leaders of our state’s history organizations attending the conference that they provided funding for many historical sites to be a part of this national convention. Over 1,000 leaders from all over our country gathered to attend workshops and network with others working in similar types of organizations.

We heard from speakers on how to effectively evaluate visitor experiences, how to seek local and government grant funding, tips for planning new educational programming, and what to do in case of a zombie attack.  The latter workshop presented a hypothetical situation in which we considered what procedures we would follow in case of various emergencies including fire, flood, and invasion.  Though we approached the concepts in a humorous way, the exercise made us think about some serious situations.

Two highlights from the conference were the keynote addresses by Minnesota natives Garrison Keillor and Marilyn Carlson Nelson. Keillor, in his humble and self-effacing manner, spoke about how history is preserved by people who want to immortalize a particular time or person regardless of how grand or romantic the memory may be.  To illustrate he touched on the stories of Pierre “Pig’s Eye” Parrant (purported as St. Paul’s first inhabitant) and John J. Hill.  He spoke about the importance of belonging to a time and place by recounting a visit to his Anoka alma mater football game.  Humor aside, Keillor’s story of his heritage revealed his support for preserving whatever history one chooses to embrace.

Marilyn Carlson Nelson, of the Carlson Company, shared her personal experiences with history preservation.  Stories of her Swedish grandparents, the loss of her daughter, and her experience walking Omaha Beach knowing her grandfather had landed on the same beach during WWII, peppered her speech.  She thanked the audience of history professionals for accepting the responsibility for preserving moments in time that matter to someone.  We don’t all treasure the same history but appreciating what those in the past have done to affect someone else’s future is a big responsibility.

It has been many years since any Hormel family members have lived in Austin, but their mark on our community remains.  It is part of my job to keep that story alive, but it only matters if you find value in remembering their contribution as well. I become more convinced of this each day.

 Author Visit/Presentation

5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16

Author Walt Bachman will present his research regarding slavery in Minnesota during the 1860s.  He will share his personal connection to the time and theme. Free event sponsored by the Mower County Historical Society, the Austin Public Library, and the Hormel Historic Home.

 Social Concerns

10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 21

Presented by Jeff Baldus, Executive Director of the Austin Area Foundation. Join us to hear how the Foundation continues its mission of enhancing our community through charitable giving.

Free event, coffee and snack provided. Please call to let us know you plan to attend.

 Antiques Appraisal event at the Austin Public Library

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Oct. 23

Antiques expert Mark F. Moran will be at the Library to evaluate your treasures. He has been active as an appraiser of antiques and fine art for more than 20 years. Pre-registration is required. Cost is $15 per item for members of the Mower County Historical Society, the Austin Public Library and the Hormel Historic Home and $25 for non-members. Register at the Mower County Historical Society Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited.