125th Anniversary Announcement
CITY OF RIDGELAND ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF THE
125TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR CELEBRATIONS
This year marks a significant milestone as the City of Ridgeland celebrates its 125th Anniversary. The Planning Committee held its kick-off meeting earlier this week to set the stage for activities that will commemorate Ridgeland’s past and celebrate the bright future ahead. Here are details regarding three key activities that will take place during this monumental year:
1. Virtual History Room: Ridgeland will introduce a Virtual History Room on the City’s website that will mirror the physical History Room located at City Hall. The new feature will showcase historical archives of Ridgeland’s first families, a share your story component, and much more. This virtual space will allow greater access to the narratives that have helped to shape Ridgeland.
“The first families are significant to our history, and they have left us with a heritage we can be proud of. We honor those who have made Ridgeland a special place to live and work, and we believe that a vital part of being a community is remembering our heritage and being thankful for those who took the time to plan for the future of our great City,” stated Mayor Gene McGee.
2. Historical Markers Unveiling: Following the successful unveiling of the first history trail marker located at City Hall and display cabinets honoring the first families of Ridgeland in October 2023, the City is excited to host a special event around the unveiling of 21 additional markers, further enriching our historical landscape. The Historical Committee of Ridgeland, with assistance from the Ridgeland Tourism Commission and City staff, has collaborated on developing the Ridgeland History Trail. The History Trail will consist of interpretive wayside exhibits highlighting the culture and history of Ridgeland. It will utilize the existing multi-use recreational trail system, as well as additional off-trail sites. More details about the Ridgeland History Trail will be announced in the coming months.
3. Anniversary Event: The main event of the year’s celebrations will be held on December 29th, the date of Ridgeland’s founding. Ridgeland was incorporated as a village on December 29, 1899, after the first families settled in the area.
The Planning Committee is also working on a variety of other fun activities that will provide opportunities for the community to come together for this special and celebratory year.
These celebrations are not just about marking a milestone; they are a tribute to those who came before us and a celebration of a future path we pave together as a community. Please stay tuned for more details on the upcoming events and activities by following the City of Ridgeland social channels, signing up for Ridgeland Alerts, and visiting www.ridgelandms.org. Join us in making Ridgeland’s 125th Anniversary a year to remember!
125th Anniversary Planning Committee Members: Kim Cooper – Chair, Nancy Batson, Pat Truesdale, Jim Woodrick, Robby Carr, Polly Hammett, Donna Dye, Mike Porter, Jane McGee, D.I. Smith, Bill Lee, Matt Dodd, Lisa Walters, Bryan Johnson, Linda Bynum, Karen McKie, Kenya Rachal, Carol Fitzgerald, Explore Ridgeland Staff, Ben McDonald, and William Gilbert
