Revealed: Columbus: The Story of US

Columbus celebrated its Bicentennial in 2012, but the celebration was about much more than the city's birthday. For the first time, Columbus celebrated itself?its very essence, including everything and everyone that make the city unique. Simply put, we celebrated US.

Revealed: Columbus documents a defining year in the life of an emerging American city.

More than a milestone, the Columbus Bicentennial inspired a city-wide mobilization of creative, free-thinking, innovative and diverse people, businesses and communities. The collaboration, goodwill and zeal made the bicentennial a success and represents the very qualities that make Columbus extraordinary.

A group of local photographers spent the year on the streets, sidewalks and bike paths, in neighborhood parks and festivals, at concerts and shows and games?even in places like the bell tower of Ohio Stadium.

Their images capture a special moment in time for this special place we call Columbus.

This book shares the many ways the community celebrated the city's 200th birthday, but it is impossible to capture the extensive activities and emotion of this special milestone.

While many activities focused on events, many initiatives were also undertaken. The Columbus Chamber recognized over 350 businesses in operation for 25 years or more. JP Morgan Chase provided 37 Bicentennial neighborhood grants. The City created 210 gateway signs for 65 neighborhoods. Birthday parties were held at City Community Centers. The Columbus Historical Society moved to COSI. Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library held birthday parties in all 20 branches. The Columbus Council on World Affairs Global released the Global Report. The Columbus Sister Cities International hosted delegations from three of eight sister cities, including Dresden, Germany, Odense, Denmark and Ahmedabad, India.

There are certainly many more examples, but the evidence is clear that significant momentum has been generated in 2012. This is especially true for the collaborative marketing of this 'smart and open' community. As stated by The Columbus Partnership's Alex Fisher, 'If we stay committed over the next decade to telling the good news about our community consistently, we will leverage each other in a way that can be very impactful for Columbus.'