This past week I journeyed to Hutchinson, Minnesota, as part of their Friends of the Library celebration. Their library was built as a Carnegie Library in 1904. The lovely old building was a perfect setting for discussing my historical novels set in 19th century Minnesota. How interesting to learn that the library is built on the exact site where early Hutchinson citizens erected a defensive barricade during the 1862 Sioux Uprising.
I had been anxiously waiting for my appearance in Hutchinson because POMME DE TERRE is partially set in the Hutchinson area. You may remember that Serena and Gust moved to Hutchinson and ended up losing everything during the Sioux Uprising. While writing POMME DE TERRE, I often imagined readers in Hutchinson enjoying the story because of its local connection. I wasn’t wrong. I met some of these readers while at the Hutchinson Library.
Most of my life I’ve felt a little weird about being so interested in history. It’s a passion that has no explanation. One of the best things about writing historical fiction has been discovering that I’m not alone. Other history lovers showed up at the Hutchinson Library to learn more about our common bond of Minnesota history and Scandinavian heritage. I felt affirmed and validated by their warm and welcoming presence. Thanks, Hutchinson! Let’s do it again sometime soon.
