Social, historical, educational and informational programs have been a part of the Hormel Historic Home since its days as the YWCA. You can call them lectures, talks, or conversations, but the topics were meant to teach and inspire and to broaden the minds of those who attended.

Today, the HHH offers programs similar to what was done 70, 80, and 90 years ago. Join us for History Happy Hour programs on the second Monday of each month and for Hearth & Home programs currently on the third Tuesday of each month. In February you can learn how our community and our waterways were impacted by Interstate 90. Tim Ruzek will lead this interesting discussion showing how progress can affect a region. Later in the month you hear how crime, and the fear of crime, shapes the lives of all. Tori Miller has tailored a presentation specifically for seniors, and those who have seniors in their lives, to help people understand real threats and how to manage them.

Going back over 70 years, the YWCA hosted programs designed for area women to learn about a variety of topics. Below are descriptions of February events of the past.

February, 1940

“YWCA Travel Club Enjoys European Scenes”

Mrs. Helen Baird Vance related to the Travel club her experiences in Europe the previous summer showing pictures of a Cornish fishing village and of the lovely highlands in Scotland.

February, 1941

“Mrs. S.C. Woodhall Speaks on Mexico”

Woodhall described her visit to Mexico during the 1940 Mexican presidential election. She spoke of the great work that both the YWCA and YMCA were doing in the country and of her positive observations of the culture and government of the day.

February, 1942

“Miss Elizabeth Gill Reviews Two Books”

The books were “Wild Geese Calling” by Steward Edward White and “Four Years in Paradise” by Osa Johnson.

“Mrs. John Winn Gives Talk on Ellis Island”

The work of the Daughters of the American Revolution in regard to helping immigrants adjust to their time at Ellis Island was explained to the Travel Club.

February, 1943

“Nutrition Course Planned by Young Married Women”

This program featured 10 sessions focused on nutrition during wartime. Participants were told that “it was patriotic to study nutrition and to learn to make the most of available foods.”

In the days before Google, presentations such as these were often the only exposure people might have had to a culture or experience. The ladies, members of the YWCA, expanded their minds and shared in the knowledge of others by attending these presentations.

History Happy Hour: Freeways and Floods

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

Tim Ruzek, Outreach Coordinator for the Cedar River Watershed District will present the history of the Austin Mill Pond area with focus on the area being developed in the 1950s-1960s to connect downtown with the new Interstate 90 freeway. Free for HHH members, $5 for non-members. Includes light snacks.

7th Annual Foodie Throwdown

6 p.m. doors open, Saturday, Feb. 17

Fundraiser for the HHH

Tickets are $35 and are available on website

Hearth & Home Series: Safety for Seniors

10 a.m., Tuesday, February 20

Free.