On July 4, 1959, Alaskans celebrated statehood and American independence in front of the Veterans Memorial Building, now the Juneau Douglas City Museum. At that time, Secretary of State Hugh Wade, Governor William Egan and Juneau Mayor McSpadden, along with delegates from each of the other 48 states, were present to witness the raising of the flag. The ceremony also included the ringing of the bell 49 times signifying Alaska's place as the 49th state of the Union.

At 9 a.m. this Saturday, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Alaska statehood, the City and Borough of Juneau and the city museum will host a 50th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood Celebration, including a re-enactment of the official flag-raising and ringing of the bell. The anniversary event will take place at the museum, located at the corner of Fourth and Main St., and is open to the public.

The museum will be closed on Friday, July 3. On July 4 it will be open free of charge until noon following the ceremony. The museum will resume regular hours on Sunday, July 6.

For details visit www.juneau.org/parkrec/museum or call586-3572.