Last Sunday at 5:30 p.m., the Freeborn County Historical Society held its annual meeting and volunteer appreciation dinner with 73 in attendance. A meal was catered by Hy-Vee followed by the annual meeting. The meeting was called to order by board President Dean Johnson. Present and retiring board members were recognized. During 2013 the museum had 13,714 recorded visitors from 38 states and 14 foreign countries.

Recorded volunteer hours for the Freeborn County Historical Society complex during 2013 totaled 12,781 hours. This is an average of 255 hours per week. We are open 50 weeks of the year. Volunteers were recognized for all of the jobs they do at the museum. Jobs range from snow removal, lawn care, cleaning, construction, roofing, painting, siding, flooring, general maintenance baking, scanning, collection care, computer updating, website, data entry, event volunteers, mailings, etc. Without our volunteers we would not be able to keep our doors open. We thank each and every volunteer for the dedication and passion to preserve, protect and share the history of Freeborn County and its people.

Highlights of the year were given by Pat Mulso and a written report was given to each person in attendance. Comparisons of membership in 2013 versus 1987 were given as well as admissions, income, expenses and youth tours. Our vision for the future includes new programs and events on Saturdays to attract new members. We hope to reach out to young families and engage them in learning about history. A few door prizes were given, and the meeting closed at about 7:45 p.m.

The museum will be hosting two defensive driving classes in March. The classes will be at 8:30 a.m. on March 8 and noon on March 17. The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for nonmembers. You must register for the class by calling or stopping by the museum during our regular hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

The museum will be participating in the annual Taste of Heritage event at the Northbridge Mall from 1 to 3 p.m. April 5. Please save the date and plan to attend. This is a great family activity and is free.

We will soon be setting the date for the annual tour guide orientation. If you are interested in being a tour guide, call the museum at 373-8003. We have several school tours already scheduled for May.

My dad would have been 99 years old this week, and I can’t help but think about how he would have enjoyed seeing his grandchildren grow up, attending all their sports activities and spoiling each of them. He died before he had the opportunity. His first grandchild died at birth. He was so excited that another was on the way and due shortly; however, the second was born the day he was buried. The rest is history. Remember to cherish the time you have to spend with your family and make the most of the opportunities you have to share your history with them for none of us know what tomorrow has in store for us.

 

Pat Mulso is the executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum in Albert Lea.