Preserving the Past by Kim Nelson

Kim Nelson is the new executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village, 1031 Bridge Ave.

Three weeks ago today I embarked on a new adventure and have been humbled by the warm reception from the community along with the staff and volunteers at the museum. As I sit at my desk looking over the village, I can’t help but think about all of the volunteers who make this facility run. The museum relies on hundreds of volunteers throughout the year to make sure the museum is organized, clean and maintained for its visitors.

The museum is a busy place right now. We just hosted Echoes From the Past. The event was well-attended and a great time was had by all. Thank you to Carrie Olvera, Matthew Larson, Sue Jorgensen and Gary Schindler for your portrayals. As we switch gears toward the wonderful Autumn in the Village event, I am reminded again how many volunteers are needed.  We are so excited to be able to offer this event coming up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 17. It is good to note that this event is on a Saturday this year instead of a Sunday, and we have extended the hours to accommodate more families. I am so looking forward to seeing all of you there. We will serve up the ever-popular sarsaparilla along with crumble burgers and apple pie with ice cream. Come see our old-fashioned photo booth, blacksmith, woodworking and cider press, along with several activities for the children to include wagon rides. Admission is $7.50 for adults, students 12-18 are $2 and members and children 11 and under are free.

Also in September we will host two defensive driving classes. One of the classes is from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 22 and is a four-hour refresher course. The other defensive driving class we are offering in September is the initial eight-hour class from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 24. Please contact the museum at 373-8003 for more information on these and any further classes.

Check us out on Facebook and make sure to follow us to get updates on the museum. Also, you can hear me on KATE radio every Sunday morning for updates from the museum. I love visitors, too, so come on in and see me. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.