Fremont commemoration shares Hotel Pathfinder history, heroes 50 years later

Fremont, NE —

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hotel Pathfinder explosion in Fremont.

To honor the victims, their families, and first responders, the Pathfinder Commemoration Committee is hosting a commemoration at the Fremont Area Art Association. for

The goal is to showcase the Hotel Pathfinder and keep the memory alive.

The explosion on the morning of Jan. 10, 1976, killed 20 people and injured 41 others.

The committee put out a call for pieces of history from the hotel back in January, which are on display at the gallery.

The gallery also includes first-hand accounts from several survivors, first responders and others involved. The interviews were conducted by Cherrie Beam-Callaway, the founder of the committee, who passed away last fall.

Sharon Hinds, co-chair of the committee, said seeing physical items helps people connect to the past.

“I think it just brings it a little bit closer and makes it more real,” said Hinds.

The commemoration began Tuesday and runs through July 24. It’s open from 1 to 4 p.m. every day.

On Friday and Saturday night, from 5-7 p.m., there will be a presentation and music at the gallery.

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