For those who know and love Charlottesville, or even those who are just starting to call our beautiful city home, we’re about to celebrate Charlottesville’s 250th Birthday!
For more details on how the city is celebrating – from exhibits and concert events to a civic ceremony on the actual date, Nov. 12, 2012 – please visit: Celebrate 250 History
Charlottesville, according to the city’s website, has grown from 500 residents in 1812, 50 years after King George III gave the Virginia locality its current name, to now more than 43,000 in the city; almost 100,000 in the county, as of the last census. Today’s growth happens on a scale no doubt unimaginable to the then town’s first inhabitants.
Incorporated in 1801, it didn’t become an independent city until 1888. According to the city’s website, “By the city’s 100th anniversary in 1862, the residents of Charlottesville, now numbering 2,500 (plus 500 U.Va. students) would experience change again: they would salute yet another flag of allegiance, the flag of the Confederate States of America.
“But as Charlottesville headed toward its 200th anniversary as a city, other changes were in the air, literally. Airplanes were carrying passengers like C.C. Wells, who flew from Wood Field, now the site of the Foxfield Race Course. Charlottesville gained its first radio station—
WCHV—in 1932.”
Today, the city’s “vision … is for Charlottesville to be a leader in innovation, environmental sustainability, and social and economic justice; to be flexible and progressive in anticipating and responding to the needs of the citizens; and to act as the cultural and creative capital of Central Virginia. With nine areas of focus—economic sustainability; lifelong learning; quality housing opportunities for all; arts and culture; green city initiatives; healthy city initiatives; a connected community; smart citizen-focused government; and community of mutual respect—the future looks bright as we head toward 2062 and the city’s 300th anniversary.”
For those interested in celebrating on Nov. 12 with the Governor and VIPs, and in conjunction with American Legion Post 74 and annual Veterans Day events, there will be a free Civic Ceremony from 11am – 2pm at the nTelos Pavilion Downtown Charlottesville (map)
Leading up the Nov. 12 events there will be a Grand Gala at the John Paul Jones Arena where Kool & The Gang will headline the “Celebrate! 250 Gala” starting at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11, which is also Veterans Day. It will be a night that highlights the talents and diversity of the community. Tickets are priced from $10 to $30 and can be purchased at the John Paul Jones Arena website or through Ticketmaster.Celebrate250 honors the rich tapestry of generations that built Charlottesville, involving our diverse community of interests, cultures and backgrounds in building our new story. Celebrate 250
Also, according to the city website, Ida Lee Wootten, director of U.Va.’s Office of Community Relations, said the University “has partnered with the city in several ways to mark the 250th anniversary. The Heritage Theatre Festival presented the popular historical musical ‘1776’ this summer. The Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library has provided historical photographs that are being used throughout the celebration.
“In addition, the library has an exhibit, on view through Jan. 5, 2013, that displays a broad range of artifacts – everything from the oldest known city map to a section of the rope used to hang a murderous mayor. The items, which evoke major events in the city, include a Bible used in the coronation of Queen Charlotte, the city’s namesake. The Charlottesville 250th Anniversary Exhibit, which is co-sponsored by the Special Collections Library and Community Relations Office, is free and open to the public.
‘We are delighted that the University of Virginia can help support the community-wide celebration by hosting the gala at the John Paul Jones Arena,’ Wootten said. “We hope that area residents will enjoy celebrating together Charlottesville’s distinctive history and cultural vibrancy.’”
Other Exhibits:
250 Years of Transportation – City Manager’s office, Celebrate 250 Gallery (Next to Eppies)
City Neighborhoods – Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society
The City’s Public Schools – Downtown Visitor’s Center
City of Streetcars – Downtown Visitor’s Center
Wealth of Theaters – Keller and George
More than a Roof: Charlottesville Residential – Cavalier Inn.
Heritage of Faith – Looking for a home.
1962 Bicentennial – University of Virginia Community Credit Union
900 East Jefferson branch = 3 banners
1018 West Main St/Patton Mansion branch = 2 banners
1936 Arlington Blvd. branch = 2 banners
“Charlottesville 250th Anniversary Exhibit” Aug 28 – Dec 5 Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library University of Virginia (map)
Description: Through a remarkable selection of books, manuscripts, and photographs, this exhibition will trace Charlottesville’s history, featuring its 1762 founding, the American Revolution, the creation of the University of Virginia, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and key moments of the 20th century. Some of the treasures highlighted will include: Queen Charlotte’s coronation Bible; the first map of Charlottesville; Holsinger Studio photographs; and materials on the famous, infamous, and fictitious residents of Charlottesville.
As of September: Charlottesville’s Mosaic , i.e. neighborhoods
“Queen Charlotte”
Exploring the life and legacy of our City’s namesake, Queen Sophia Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, this exhibit is on display through March at the Albemarle County. Historical Society, 200 Second Street NE. Keri Matthews, Curator. (434) 296-1492
“Celebrating Charlottesville’s 200th Anniversary, 1962”
This exhibit highlights Charlottesville’s celebrations during its 200th anniversary, on display through September at several University of VIrginia Community Credit Union Offices.
“250 Years of Transportation” (See site for PDF)
Take a ride through time with historic photographs of transportation changes in Charlottesville. Trains, planes and automobiles: they all have a rich history in town. City Manager’s Office and off the Mall at the Celebrate 250 gallery next to Eppies at 407 East
Main Street. (434) 970-3333
Heritage of Faith
This exhibit chronicles the evolution of Charlottesville’s first places of worship, the progression in the community’s sense of religious identity, religious leadership in politics and government, education, medicine and business, and the town’s lasting contributions to the nation and the world. On display through May at the Visitors Center across from City Hall on
the Downtown Mall. (434) 296-1492
More Than a Roof: Charlottesville Residential
This exhibition surveys key aspects of Charlottesville’s residential architecture between the late 19th century and the present. In doing so it illuminates a good deal of our city’s history. The exhibition explores the way that developers, builders, architects, homeowners, and renters have sought to balance social and cultural ideals with changing economic, technological, and spatial possibilities.
More than merely a roof over our heads, our dwellings and settlement patterns reflect the changing architectural and social values of Charlottesville’s individuals, families, and communities. Our homes have been shaped by both practical realities and American dreams.
Exhibition is mounted by Professor Daniel Bluestone and students in the Community History, Planning, and Design Working, in the historic preservation program at the UVA School of Architecture. The exhibition will be launched with a reception on May 4th at the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, 200 2nd Street, NE, 5:30-7:30 PM.
Charlottesville Public Schools
The possibilities of a better life, friendships made, and general life lessons can all be said to stem from one’s schooling experience. Charlottesville City’s Public Schools are no exception and as schooling efforts extend back into the nineteenth century the topic seems a worthy subject of study. Hence, please join us on the 3rd at the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society as we hold a reception to initiate the newest edition to the Celebrate 250 series of exhibits, The City’s Public Schools.
