Susan Kezich, Tour Lead, shared a heartwarming story from her time in the field:
At the start of the summer, I decided to place a greater emphasis on Lora Knight's kindness, generosity, and intelligence during my Vikingsholm tours. Before the season began, I asked Helen Smith how she would describe Mrs. Knight. Her response was simple and memorable: "Mrs. Knight was very smart. She could talk with anyone on any subject, and she was so very kind and generous."
Over my 11 years at Vikingsholm, I've met many visitors who shared stories about Mrs. Knight's kindness. In a world that often feels overwhelming, I thought people might appreciate hearing about someone whose generosity touched so many lives. They did.
Nearly every day, visitors thanked me for sharing those stories. Some said they gave them hope and renewed faith in people. One gentleman, who had visited Vikingsholm as a child, shook my hand after a tour and told me he had always felt it was a special place. Hearing about Lora Knight confirmed that feeling for him.
On the season's final day, two young girls asked to take a photo with me and thanked me for introducing them to the inspiring story of Lora Knight.
I'll miss sharing the story of Vikingsholm and the woman I often describe as its heart. As I told every tour: "Lora Knight was the heart of Vikingsholm, and that's where I'll begin."
Thank you, Susan, for your many years of dedicated service as a tour guide and tour lead. Your passion, knowledge, and commitment have enriched the experience of countless visitors and helped bring the story of Vikingsholm to life.
