The Keokuk County Historical Society is celebrating its 50th year with an open house and presentation tomorrow. The society is housed in the former St. Paul’s United Church of Christ building in Sigourney and recently received a Washington County Riverboat Foundation grant to restore the sanctuary’s 12 stained glass windows. Kevin Hershey, originally from Milton, Iowa, was commissioned to do the work. Contributions from the Peter Seaba Memorial Fund and the Keokuk County Community Endowment Foundation, as well as monies from various investments, donations, and raffles also aided in the project.

The society was incorporated in 1963 to preserve and keep alive an interest in local and state history while collecting and preserving many historical pieces including genealogies and relics. The celebration is being held tomorrow from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with O.J. Fargo’s presentation “Just Before the Battle Mother: A Visit from a Civil War Soldier” at 2 p.m.

For more information call 641-622-3005.