BEATRICE, Neb. - The history of Southeast Nebraska is being displayed through photography.

The Gage County Museum and Historical Society in Beatrice recently opened their summer exhibit, "Looking at Gage County through photographs", a display showing the county's 170 year history. The exhibit features work from 40 photographers and features over 100 images. 

Images include events as recent as the Beatrice Dempster fire in March of this year and as old as class photos from the 1950's. It also has a display of aerial views of Beatrice throughout the years. 

Museum Director Cassandra Dean says the goal is all about showing history. 

"It's just a neat way to show the 170 year history since Gage County actually became a county in Nebraska," Dean said. "It began in 1855 as a Nebraska territory and we want to expand the growth to that."

Dean also says the exhibit aims to emphasize the importance in photography and its impact on history, showing people the importance of preserving their photographs. 

The museum is open for the Beatrice Homestead Days weekend from 10-4 on Saturday. On Friday, the museum plans to celebrate Homestead Days with "Train Songs and Tales" with performances at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.