Turning a century old can have its advantages, especially if you’re an iconic building.

The Greene County Courthouse was completed and dedicated to the citizens of Greene County on October 27, 1917. History will come alive again when the courthouse celebrates its 100th birthday this Friday with several festivities.

Courthouse 100 Committee Chair Don VanGilder says throughout this week, the committee will be giving guided tours of the courthouse to area students. Then on Friday, activities will start with Jefferson Matters: Main Street’s Java and Juice program at 9:30am. Public guided tours will then take place from 10am to 1pm and 3 to 4pm. VanGilder says the tours allows people to see the historic landmark in a different light.

“Their relationship with the courthouse sometimes has only been by paying taxes, jury duty or paying a traffic ticket. They don’t necessarily see the courthouse in the same light as a tourist would. It opens their eyes to what we actually have here. We have a gem on the prairie.”

A special program is scheduled for 2pm. VanGilder will open the program with some remarks, followed by the Greene County High School band performing the National Anthem and other patriotic music. The guest speaker will be a 1974 Jefferson graduate, District Court Judge Robert Hanson. Colleen O’Brien Clopton wrote a poem, “The Courthouse in Jefferson,” and will recite it during the program. Finally, the sealing of the time capsule will end the program. It will take place on the south plaza of the courthouse with limited seating available. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs.

To hear more about the centennial celebration, listen to today’s Community State Bank Let’s Talk Greene County program.