News

City to celebrate 150th birthday

The city of Madison will turn 150 years old this year, and a 20-person committee plans to throw an extravagant city-wide celebration in April.

The festivities will begin April 7, the day Madison's city charter went into effect, and will end with a birthday party at Monona Terrace April 9.

"People mark anniversaries in their lifetime," committee chair Dick Wagner said, "and 150 years is certainly a milestone."

The party will feature music, performances, a giant sheet cake and displays from community groups.

"Depending on where you're coming from, there's something for everyone," Madison Arts Commission Administrator Rebecca Kasemeyer said.

Kasemeyer added the celebration serves as an opportunity for residents to reflect on the history of the city and prepare for the future.

George Twigg, communications director for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, said Madison residents can use the celebration as an opportunity to appreciate the history behind the city.

"We've changed a lot in terms of technology, transportation and diversity," Twigg said. "It's a good time to take stock of those changes and take a look to what the next 150 years will bring."

Twigg said while some residents did not necessarily grow up in the city, they have settled into the area due to business or education.

"There's a lot of history in the city," he said. "It's a really important opportunity for them to learn about the community they're a part of."

Twigg hopes — weather permitting — that thousands of people will come to celebrate Madison's sesquicentennial.

"There will be events going on throughout the year, but if I had to pick out one, the weekend as a whole will be a big celebration," he said.

Twelve historical markers heralding Madison's past will also be unveiled at the birthday party and will be placed throughout the city during the year.

According to Kasemeyer, the markers will showcase important historical figures in the city, including events such as the Vietnam protests, architect Frank Lloyd Wright and the Wisconsin Idea.

Wagner said the markers will be unlike historical markers placed in other cities, since the committee plans to enhance the overall look of each marker.

"We are trying to increase the amount of history in verbal and visual presentation," he said. "It'll be something you won't have seen before."

Students will also have the opportunity to connect with the city and its residents, especially because the university's own history is closely related to Madison's.

"Hopefully they and other Madison residents will gain a better sense of history and who they are," Wagner said.

Kasemeyer said the entire celebration will give residents a chance to celebrate where they are.

"Obviously, it's something that comes along once in a lifetime," she said. "It's something that none of us will be able to celebrate again."

The planning committee was appointed by the mayor in 2004 and has been meeting continually for a year to prepare for the celebration. Members from the art community, former mayors and other individuals have held meetings open to the public, Twigg said.