The Hormel Historic Home collection includes antiques, documents, and Hormel family artifacts that are important to share with the community. There is a great deal that goes into documenting, handling, storing, and displaying these items, and I am about to learn more about the best practices for doing so.

I am proud to announce that the HHH is one of 80 institutions from across the country selected to participate in the Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program.

We are the recipient of a $7,400 federal grant to complete the process which will benefit the operation of the HHH as well as all who visit.

CAP helps museums improve the care of their collections by providing support for a conservation assessment of the museum’s collections and buildings. The HHH will work with a team of preservation professionals to identify preventive conservation priorities. The final assessment report will help the museum prioritize its collections care efforts in the coming years.

I have contracted with a Collections Assessor and a Building Assessor from the Twin Cities to come to Austin in July and study our facility and help us be better stewards of the items we hold dear. For instance, we recently were given ceremonial swords that once belonged to George and Jay Hormel when they were active in the Masonic Lodge. What is the best way to handle and display a sword, I ask you?

The Hormel Historic Home is committed to preserving and sharing the Hormel family history. By participating in the CAP program we will be better equipped to serve our mission and to keep our precious items safely on display or in storage for years to come.

The CAP program is administered by FAIC, the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works, through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal grant making agency that supports museums and libraries. Tiffani Emig, programs director for FAIC said “Simply by applying for the CAP program, the Hormel Historic Home has shown a commitment to preserving cultural heritage.”

We are grateful for the opportunity to participate and improve our practices. And in case you are curious, I will tell you more about the swords in coming weeks.

Peace Garden Concert: Austin Community Jazz Band

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

An annual tradition led by Director, Brian Koser.