Redwood City's 150th Anniversary Celebration to Be Kicked Off At Jan. 9 Meeting

REDWOOD CITY, CA - To kick off Redwood City's Sesquicentennial, which marks the 150th anniversary of the City's incorporation in 1867, the City Council on Monday night will mark the occasion with a special reception, historic re-enactment and more.

The public is invited to the event, which takes place Jan. 9 and starts with a Sesquicentennial reception at 6:15 p.m. at City Hall, located at 1017 Middlefield Rd. Guests can mingle with members of the City Council and Sesquicentennial Committee, the latter of which includes City staff and is helmed by community leaders.

• SEE ALSO: Happy 150th Anniversary, Redwood City! New Website Celebrates Community's Many Historical Moments

During the City Council meeting, which starts at 7 p.m., guests can enjoy a re-enactment of the City's first Council meeting on May 18, 1867, performed by Council members and City staff. The original City Council met a week after the City incorporated, and included Town Marshall John C. Edgar and newly elected trustees, President J. V. Diller Secretary pro tem J. W. Ackerson, John Titus and L. A. Parsons - all active community leaders. Also participating were the new Assessor Andrew Teague, Treasurer S. H. Snyder and City Clerk John Ames.

The kick-off will also include a recognition of the City's recent designation as a Preserve America City by the White House earlier this year. The designation honors Redwood City's commitment to historic preservation since 1977, which has resulted in five historic districts, several historic resources listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and many others that are locally designated.

Earlier this year, the City launched its official 150th anniversary website to share updates on upcoming celebrations, inform the community about the city's storied past and encourage everyone to get involved. Visitors to www.RedwoodCityHistory.org can find historic photo galleries, blogs from City staff and local history experts, detailed timeline of iconic moments, and ongoing events such as the 150th Anniversary Festival with a Flower Extravaganza on May 20, 2017. The website also includes ongoing announcements such as a a "Redwood City Then and Now" historic photo program, Redwood City - Past - Present and Future high school art show contest and a fun "Owlized" program featuring an innovative, 360-degree visual platform that enables public audiences to look backward in time and "step into" rich media content.

Community members looking for ways to participate in the festivities can contact the Sesquicentennial Committee for sponsorship and volunteer opportunities.

– SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION BY – City of Redwood City