NORWAY — Norway Savings Bank is kicking off a yearlong celebration by hosting a 150th anniversary party at its 24 branches on Friday, Feb. 5.

The public is invited to visit any branch for cake and refreshments. The first 150 visitors at any branch will receive a free copy of an anniversary book published to celebrate the bank’s customers, employees and communities.

Snow date is Monday, Feb. 8.

Soon after the Civil War ended, Norway Savings Bank was founded. The year was 1866. In February that year, 14 local men signed the charter. One month later, Nathaniel Gunnison was elected the first president when the bank was incorporated. The Oxford Democrat reported on the birth of Norway Savings on March 23, 1866.

Since that time, the bank has grown from its headquarters on Main Street, Norway, to the third largest Maine-based mutual bank, with 24 branches in western and southern Maine.

For more information go to norwaysavingsbank.com.