The Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village will host A Night in the Village from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday. The event will  include an old-fashioned mortgage burning, according to a press release.

Mortgage burning is a 20th century American custom that is the ritual burning of a paid off mortgage document by homeowners. It is done as a celebratory event, and is sometimes accompanied by a party in which extended family and friends are invited.

According to a press release, visitors will also be able to make s’mores, walk through some of the historic buildings and listen to live music. The event is free to the community.

The organization’s new executive director and current board members will be on hand to visit with participants, as well.

The expansion of the museum added approximately 10,000 square feet to the existing building. The addition houses an expanded museum library, meeting rooms, a children’s learning lab, additional restrooms on both levels and an elevator, as well as a new entrance and reception area.

The expansion provided the museum with additional archive, storage and work areas, expanded exhibit space, and space for exhibit items from Albert Lea High School.

The project cost was just over $1.7 million, the release states.

“Community members and businesses were instrumental in the success of the expansion,” said Stephanie Kibler, executive director of the museum. “Board members and staff look forward to celebrating with the community on June 21.”

Freeborn County Historical Museum is a nonprofit educational and cultural institution established in 1948, committed to building the future by preserving the past. The society collects, preserves and tells the story of Freeborn County’s past through museum exhibits, research, collections, tours and educational programs.