Making History by Amy Gauthier

My vision for our historical society is to make it a place welcoming and accessible to all in our community. I am pleased to say we are taking steps in that direction by developing new ways to engage the community through volunteerism and children’s and family programming.

We are now offering our new and renewing members the opportunity to pass on their passion for history by sponsoring membership for a family that may not otherwise be able to afford it. We are working to connect with local organizations that can refer eligible families to us, and the list is growing by the day. If you are interested in sponsoring a family, I encourage you to call our office.

We are developing marketing strategies that allow our beautiful facility to shine. We are throwing open the doors to those that would like to use our space! From birthday parties in our children’s learning lab, to a quiet meeting space with a view or our large event space, equipped with all of the technology, seating and coffee you need to host a successful event.

There is momentum in our community, a shift toward embracing diversity and the changing face of our demographic. I felt this momentum when I arrived in Albert Lea in 2013, and it has grown both definitively and progressively in the months since.

Hometown small-business owners are setting up shop and flourishing. Community members proud of their town are setting into motion things that until now have only been visions and ideas. City staff is going door to door, speaking with residents who may not have otherwise been engaged and listening to what they have to say.

A splash pad. A dog park. Selfie tours. All of these efforts are citizen driven with the common goal of making Albert Lea and Freeborn County a welcoming place for all. And they show tremendous community ownership and pride. It’s a very exciting time to live and work in Albert Lea, that’s for sure.

Have an idea for a great fundraiser or event? Is there programming you’d like to see offered at FCHS? We’re open to suggestions! Please feel free to call 507-373-8003 or email your ideas to a.e.gauthier@hotmail.com! Together, we can make history!

 

Upcoming volunteer opportunities

Taste of Heritage: Represent the Historical Society and staff our information booth during Taste of Heritage. You can bring your kiddos and volunteer in the kids’ activity area! This event will be from 1 to 3 p.m. April 9 at Northbridge Mall.

Village cleanup: Bring the family and help us open up the largest historical village in our region! We will be throwing open the shutters, sweeping, dusting and polishing. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with history! Cleanup will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 16. The rain date is April 23.

Tour guide training: Be a tour guide for the museum and village for groups and events including Discover History and Autumn in the Village. Training will be at 1 p.m. April 21 at the Historical Society.

Eddie Cochran Days: Play an instrumental part in this celebration of summer and music! Volunteer opportunities include registration, parking cars, museum tour guide, selling root beer floats and memorabilia, and more! Volunteers are needed on June 10 in the parking lot of Green Mill and country Inn & Suites and on June 11 in downtown Albert lea, at the fairgrounds and at the museum

 

Amy Gauthier is the executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village, 1031 Bridge Ave.