BEATRICE, Neb. - The home of many Gage County historical items is celebrating 50 years with a new exhibit.

The Gage County Historical Society and Museum is launching "Firm Foundations" featuring the history of the museum, historical society, and Gage County. Megan Sothan is taking the lead on the exhibit.

"With 50 years being a major milestone in our history, we thought we'd tell a little about our beginnings and our origins," Sothan said.

One of the main reasons for celebrating the museum and historical society is because without it, a lot of the historical items that reflect the past of Gage County, may not have been around to educate future generations.

"There was no where for them [the items] to go," Sothan said. "We saw them leaving the community, being sold off in auctions, so they really wanted a place where they could share that with others, and there really was no place to do that, so they decided to start one."

The exhibit opens this Saturday as part of the 2021 Homestead Days. Sothan believes it’s important to highlight the efforts of those who made the museum, and its downtown Beatrice location, a reality.

"One of their major goals early was to create a permanent museum," Sothan said. "We've been at this muesum since 1973, so we talk a little bit about the origins of the museum, and all the things that went into making this a permanent location."

The exhibit opens this Saturday and will remain on display until September 30.