The typical visitor to the Hormel Historic Home is not someone under the age of 18.

In fact, when young people do visit here they are often at the mercy of a parent or grandparent who says let’s just stop in for a minute.

That is what I would have to say to my own kids to get them to accompany me through a historic home museum. We are working on becoming more kid-friendly, though, so stay tuned for more information regarding those plans.

However, for the last two weeks we have welcomed many young people who are happy to be here. In its fifth year, All Access Community Explorations serves area youth with autism spectrum disorder who are in sixth through 12th-grades.

The overall goal of All Access is to help the young person further develop skills they will need as they prepare for jobs and adulthood.

The group practices asking questions and transitioning to new places by touring community venues. They visit local restaurants so they can become comfortable with activities that typically developing youth often participate in like ordering and paying for food. With the support of specialized staff, the kids are able to experience life activities that will prepare them for their futures.

Another group of young people is enjoying a camp that was created this year. Within the autism spectrum there is a wide variety of needs. Camp Just For Me was started to serve those who require extra help when learning and developing skills.

In this camp each participant has a dedicated staff person who provides one on one attention allowing them to fully participate in activities and community outings. The goal of this program is for the youth to become more familiar with common locations, such as the library or an ice cream store, and to be more comfortable in communicating with the people at these locations.

Next week, Circle of Friends Day Camp will welcome 20 elementary aged campers who will participate in small and large group activities. Circle of Friends helps to foster friendships and to reinforce social skills that are expected in homes, schools, and communities.

The HHH Autism Programming is generously funded by the United Way of Mower County, the Hormel Foundation, camper fees, and corporate and private donations. As the Hormel Historic Home strives to fulfill our mission of providing educational opportunities to people of all ages, we are grateful for the generosity of so many.

The HHH has served young people in the past through Girl Scouts, Y Teens, and tutoring programs. That tradition continues today through our Autism programs.

History Happy Hour

5:30 social, 6 p.m. Presentation, Monday

Snapshots of Austin’s Baseball History, presented by Paul Spyhalski. Free for members of the HHH, Friends of the Library, and the Mower County Historical Society. $5 for non-members.

Refreshments included; cash bar available

 Free Garden Concert

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 21

Join us for an evening of classic Bob Dylan tunes and other 60’s tracks, performed by Ray, Mary, and Tony Bissen and Pete Jacobsen. Enjoy going back a few decades in music to relive your favorites. Rain site is inside the banquet hall. Refreshments will be available for purchase.