The Hormel Historic Home has begun fundraising for its first expansion since 1939 — a $1.88 million project to accommodate changing tourism and the demand for rental space.

A capitol committee quietly began seeking donors earlier this year; $416,000 in donations has been pledged or received thus far.

Executive director Laura Helle said the board of trustees’ decision to expand was based on several factors.

“Right now, you can’t prepare food on site,” Helle said, so a commercial kitchen will be included.

Also, she added, they are seeing a change in their funding: more small groups of visitors and those who rent it for events, rather than busloads of tourists.

Helle said they are hoping to accommodate rentals with the kitchen and added square footage.

The project will expand from the north and east sides to include three banquet/meeting rooms and seating for 200, which will bring the total capacity up to more than 300.

The 40- by 40-foot Carriage House — added in 1939 as a meeting place for Girl Scouts — is too small and out-of-date; that section will be removed.

“If you’re going to do a remodel, more space would be advantageous,” Helle said.

The HHH will not break ground until 100 percent of the funding has been obtained, Helle said. After that, construction should take about six months.

Donors have pledged or given from under $500 to more than $100,000 each. The HHH is also working with the Hormel Foundation for possible funding.