Dale Basham, president of the Muncie Rotary referred the sesquicentennial (150) anniversary celebration of Muncie to something his mother said to him as a child.
“My mother used to say to me ‘Dale, flaunt the best and hide the rest.’ And that’s what we’re doing today,” Basham said.
“Middletown, USA” incorporated into a city by Mayor, John Brady on Feb. 2, 1865. Today Muncie is recognizing and celebrating 150 years of history at Minnetrista Cultural Center.
Muncie Mayor, Dennis Tyler, read the proclamation during the event, with the Rotary Club alongside performances from the American’s Hometown Band and Muncie Central High School Swing Choir.
“We can only imagine what was going on at that time [in 1865],” said Tyler.
Minnetrista houses all archives of Muncie. They picked and chose some of the most interesting pieces for display.
“They pulled some of our most treasured archives and they are on display today” Basham said.
“I just know that this is Muncie. It’s not Louisville. It’s not Indianapolis. It’s not Connersville. It’s Muncie and we decided this day to celebrate all that is Muncie. It’s unique,” Basham said.
Throughout the rest of the year, the steering committee has planned many events, including: an activity workbook for third and fourth-grade students refreshing Muncie history, Neighborhood Association parades and block parties coordinated by Building Better Neighborhoods and Fourth of July fireworks.
“A steering committee has been working to outline some special activities and to highlight great events that are already taking place in Muncie throughout the year,” said Tyler. “The City of Muncie has a proud and rich history, and we are working with many groups to help promote that.”
The rest of this week will continue with presentations at the Muncie on the Move Breakfast at the Horizon Convention Center on Feb. 4, and the Black History Month Kick Off Celebration at Minnetrista on Feb. 7.
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