NORWICH – The Chenango County Historical Society is setting the stage for a new exhibit reminiscent of a simpler time for residents in the City of Norwich.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the City of Norwich, CCHS, in collaboration with the Norwich Centennial Committee, will host an opening reception and ribbon cutting for the new Norwich centennial exhibit from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, at the CCHS museum located at 45 Rexford St.

“The purpose of the exhibit is to showcase the City of Norwich from 1914 to 2014,” said exhibit coordinator and Centennial Committee member John Antonowicz. “Everything in it pertains to the city, whether it was used (by residents or businesses), or it was manufacturered here.”

For months, Antonowicz, with the help of CCHS and other members of the Centennial Committee, has knocked on doors of homes, businesses and nonprofit groups throughout the city in search of memorabilia that tells the story of Norwich. The support was overwhelming, he said.

“A lot of people were willing to loan their things to us for this exhibit,” he added. “They're really excited about it.”

Items collected range from the aluminum metal signs that showcased the businesses of yesteryear, to the photos, postcards, manufactured items, and vintage Norwich High School merchandise as it’s remembered by the more seasoned city residents. On the back wall of the exhibit room, above two theater seats and a light-up movie poster box borrowed from the Colonia Theater, hang several business signs that once welcomed patrons to local shops like Doug's Subs, the Rexford Street Market, and Welch's Grocery.