I am sidestepping from April’s Autism Awareness focus to tell you about an educational program that has been created to bring renewed awareness to a different topic.

On Thursday, May 8, “The Typist,” a documentary produced by KSMQ, will be presented in a free showing at the Hormel Historic Home.

According to KSMQ, “The Typist follows the life and work of Larry Tillemans, believed to be the last living clerk-typist from the Nuremberg Trials. As a sergeant in the U.S. 3rd Army, it was Larry’s duty to document the testimonies of victims and perpetrators of the Holocaust-information that deeply affected the young Minnesotan. After years of carrying this emotional burden, Larry decided to share his experiences with as many people as possible, a tireless effort that brought his voice to a world that often struggles to remember the lessons of the past.”

After viewing the film, those attending will have a chance to share your thoughts and ask questions of the producer, Chuck Czech, and other historians. Organizations, including the Austin Public Library, the Mower County Historical Society, the Hormel Historic Home, Tolerance In Motion, KSMQ, and the Jewish Community Relations Council Minnesota and the Dakotas are bringing this program to the community to help remember a time that, though many years ago, should still live in our memories.

May 8 marks the 69th anniversary of VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, that marked the end of World War II. Showing “The Typist” on this historic day is significant to remind us of the challenges and sacrifices our service people endured to secure our freedoms today. As someone who was not born until many years after WW II, I am humbled by the loyalty and commitment of our soldiers.

The details that Larry, the typist, shares in his story are a hard reality to hear. They are real and we are grateful for his telling.

“People who have experienced this kind of horror…who can go out and talk about what they saw and talk about what happened are doing an exceptional service to history,” said Deborah E. Lipstadt, author and historian.

Join us for this free showing from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. Reservations are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Contact the Hormel Historic Home for more information at 507-433-4243.

 Monday

Board of Directors, 4 p.m.

 Stepping Out for Autism Walk

Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Bandshell Community Park

Teams are forming now for the annual fundraising walk to support the summer camps offered by the HHH for area youth affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Visit www.hormelhistorichome.org to print your registration form. Lunch (free will offering accepted) will be offered at 11 a.m. and Koo Koo Kanga Roo will perform at 11:30 a.m.