About

200Columbus the Bicentennial

Columbus Bicentennial 2012 is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to developing a robust and transformative commemoration of the city’s bicentennial in 2012 that is a catalyst for greater economic prosperity. The initiative is referred to as 200Columbus the Bicentennial. The goal for 200Columbus is a community that is more inspired, proud and engaged in their progress and the increasing vitality of Columbus. This will lead to a community that is better recognized locally and globally as one of the best places to live and work.

Process and Structure
“Over the past several years, we listened to the voices of thousands of people to craft a common vision for Columbus that celebrates our 200 years of history and helps launch our renaissance. 200Columbus is a great way to promote our homegrown entrepreneurs, our nationally ranked research institutions, our great neighborhoods, attractions, events, arts, sports and culture. Pieces of the Blueprint for the Bicentennial are coming together thanks to a lot of hard work and creativity. Now we are beginning to implement specific plans for celebrating our city during 2012. I am grateful to all the commissioners and volunteers who are engaged in making Columbus great. We will continue to show the world why Columbus is the place to be in the 21st Century.” — Mayor Michael B. Coleman

“Not a day goes by without someone bringing up a new idea of what they want to see happen in 2012, and I’m proud to be a part of the team that is making things happen. 200Columbus is for everyone. There will be opportunities for residents to define their own celebrations, to create energy in their neighborhoods, and to join with thousands of others as we make the most of dozens of annual civic events and festivals under the 200Columbus banner.” — Ty Marsh, Chair, 200Columbus Organizing Committee.

Growing out of a multi-year public input process, chaired by OSU President E. Gordon Gee, Abigail Wexner and Bishop Timothy Clarke, the Blueprint for Bicentennial 2012 helped compile the suggestions, ideas and desires of thousands of Columbus residents. The Blueprint set a series of priorities for public and private partnerships to implement through the year 2012, and a variety of them continue to move forward.

During the summer of 2010, civic leaders joined Mayor Michael B. Coleman to set forth a plan to implement various projects, to promote and market the city and to celebrate our 200 years of history, as well as our great future.

In September 2010, a team of civic leaders joined together as the 200Columbus Organizing Committee, chaired by Ty Marsh and guided by Jamie Greene, program manager. Citizens are being asked to be a part of neighborhood initiatives, history projects, economic development plans and planning for festivals and celebrations throughout 2012. The 200Columbus Organizing Committee is working to develop a robust and transformative commemoration of the city’s bicentennial that is a catalyst for greater economic prosperity. View the 200Columbus Organizational Structure. If you are interested in helping with the effort, please click on Get Involved.