The Dawson County Historical and Genealogical Society will be opening its doors in the historic courthouse in the center of downtown for the second year in hopes to draw more interest to local history.

The society will be holding its Historical Courthouse Celebration from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, offering visitors a chance to see artifacts and photographs from past sheriffs, courthouses and other prominent places and people in Dawson County's history.

"Our history is very important," said society president Peggy Hulsey. "If we don't preserve it and enjoy it now, it's gone. That's why we are trying to record it and show it now for future generations."

The purpose of the society is to bring together those people interested in history, and especially in the history of Dawson County. Its major activities center on the discovery, collection and preservation of historical materials, as well as disseminating and arousing interest in both historical and genealogical information.

One of the prominent pieces on display Saturday will be an antique quilt made by the Dawson County Woman's Club.

"The quilt was raffled off in the '80s. It belonged to Edna Gazaway," Hulsey said. "Every block on it was made by a woman's club member and represents a piece of Dawson County history."

Other pieces available for viewing include record books dating back to the civil war, land maps and tax records and other historical items.

For more information, call (706) 265-3985 or email dchandg@yahoo.com.