A new educational series will begin in September.

After many years of offering the Social Concerns programming, the Hormel Historic Home is replacing it with a new program called The Hearth and Home Series. Monthly presentations will offer an opportunity for guests to socialize, learn and discuss a variety of topics that are meant to inspire, educate, and encourage guests. Themes will revolve around our homes, our health, history, and our intellect.

The first presentation, at 10 a.m. is on Sept. 1 at 10 a.m., and is entitled “Bizarre Life of Austin Girl in Japan in the 1960s.”

Austin native (but 57 years absent) Peggy McLaughlin Keener will tell of her experiences as a Minnesotan raising a family in Asia as chronicled in her book “Potato in a Rice Bowl.” The book has earned six international awards and currently has 96 5-star ratings on Amazon. Peggy is passionate about her hometown history (think Square Deal Grocery) and will share a bit of that passion with the crowd. Peggy’s book will be available for purchase.

 Stories from history

Many presentations about travel and distant lands have been given in the Hormel Home throughout the years during meetings of the Art and Travel Club and the YWCA Travel Club.

On May 16, 1929, the Austin Daily Herald described the details of a Travel Club meeting. The area of interest for this meeting was the Western United States including “Portland, the Canadian Rockies, Salt Lake City and Zion Park, Yellowstone and Glacier Parks, Seattle and Mt. Rainier, Pike’s Peak, the Grand Canyon and Estes Park, Vancouver and Alaska. Miss Stella Peterson was leader of the group discussion and the assigned topics were What to Do and What Not to Do when traveling with particular reference to souvenirs, a diary, Kodak pictures, sharks and swindlers and one’s attitude toward the public in general. A very pleasant feature of the evening was a travel talk by Dr. E.C. Rebman on his recent trip to California, and, among the interesting description given by him was that of the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. A. Hormel in Beverly Hills.”

At our kickoff event for the Hearth and Home Series you will learn about Mrs. Keener’s amazing life in Japan. Her entertaining banter is sure to engage you as you learn about Japan’s unique culture and her family’s life there.

Future events will feature Jaimie Timm of the Mower County Historical Society discussing the history of Courting, and Healthy Eating, presented by Mayo Clinic Dietician, Emily Schmidt.

Programming will continue to be free for all ages, and child care may be offered if requested one week in advance.  Coffee, tea, and treats will be served.

 Hearth & Home Series

10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 1

Bizarre Life of Austin Girl in Japan in the 1960’s. Austin Native (but 57 years absent) Peggy McLaughlin Keener will tell of her experiences as a Minnesotan raising a family in Asia as chronicled in her book Potato in a Rice Bowl.