It’s been a long time coming, but the Guthrie County Historical Village in Panora is officially open.

Museum curator Kristine Jorgensen opened the doors to the various buildings in the Village yesterday, and they will remain open until mid-October.

Jorgensen expresses her excitement for the summer months ahead.

“Oh I always look forward to the museum opening up, it is a really great place and I enjoy all the people that come down to visit us.  When the museum’s open it always means it’s summer and everybody’s happy, so we’re looking forward to all the visitors this year.”

While the Village isn’t open during the month of April, Jorgensen says it’s actually one of her busier months, as she works to have the buildings ready for May 1.

“We’re out in all the buildings cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, sweeping… they’ve been sitting empty all winter long so we’ve got to get everything up and going.  We’ve also got lots of gardens here too, unfortunately the weather hasn’t cooperated for us to get out into the gardens but our buildings are all ready for people to come and visit.  It looks really nice down here.”

Jorgensen says hours for the Historical Village will be the same this season as they’ve been in years past.  Buildings are open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 4:30pm, and on Saturdays and holidays from 1 to 4:30pm.

There is a small charge for admission–$2 for adults and $1 for children.

Anyone with questions about the Historical Village season can reach Jorgensen at 641-755-2989.