The Rockmart Historical Museum is now open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

It is located in the historic downtown building shared with the Polk County Chamber of Commerce.

The museum is filled with treasures from the past and pieces that have been donated to highlight the heritage of local citizens.

Two of these items were presented during the formal opening of the facility on Saturday.

Esther Stroud, a former resident of the Welsh colony in Patagonia and native Welsh speaker, presented local officials with a Welsh hymnbook and Bible, which was printed in 1804.

She also led a tour through some of the many Welsh graves in the historic Van Wert Church cemetery. The St. David’s Welsh Society recently decorated many of the graves with Welsh flags.

“We hope you continue the work you have started and keep adding to the preservation of the history of this area, including the Welsh,” she said.

The Welsh Society’s President, Karl Welsher, took part in the morning program. Prior to the event, he worked closely with Museum Committee members to bring Welsh history and traditions to Rockmart during Heritage Days.

In addition to entertainment, a wide selection of free information on Wales and gifts were presented to people attending the event. The Ninnau, the Welsh American Newspaper, also provided free copies of their newspaper for festival goers.

Jean Laltrello, committee co-chair, said the Rockmart Museum has been a shared vision of many people for several years.

“The Welsh came here looking for a better life,” she said. “They found it here and worked to make it better for all future generations. The museum opening wasn’t about our journey - it was about theirs. So when you view the history - remember it’s not just dusty memories - it’s the soul of who we are.”

Bob Culver, an active supporter of the museum, emphasized that if the Welsh had not moved into the area and remained, many citizens would be in another part of the country.

“We are proud of the job that the City of Rockmart has done with this historic building, which was built July 12, 1921,” he said.

Rockmart Mayor Steve Miller said he is proud of the project that provides a place to preserve the heritage of local citizens.

“Good things happen when local people take an interest in their past,” he said.

Curtis Lewis, former mayor, pointed out that citizens should not only look at the past but also to the future.

“The downtown area is a vital part of Rockmart,” he said. “It should be tied to other parts of the community when growth plans are considered. We don’t need to change everything but we don’t want to overlook opportunities that benefit future generations.”

The Rockmart Business Alliance (RBA) hosted a citywide yard sale during the Heritage Days event.

A crowd of people filled the area near the museum where vendors had set up booths filled with a variety of merchandise, including gift items.

“It was a big success,” said Brenda Leslie, RBA member. “We had 16 vendors and netted more than $240.”

She said that RBA has received many requests for the group to host a similar event in 2013. No decision has yet been made on this suggestion.