ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando is preparing for a significant milestone as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.

On Tuesday, city leaders unveiled a banner to commemorate the anniversary and promote upcoming events.

The city, which was founded as a small frontier town on July 31, 1875, has grown into a vibrant community with over 300,000 residents.

As the sesquicentennial approaches, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is encouraging everyone to share stories on the city’s website and promote their own events leading up to a large-scale celebration in late July.

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“We want to get the citizens engaged and learn about the history of Orlando. Get the small businesses engaged and maybe come up with promos,” Mayor Dyer said.

The Orange County Regional History Center is also contributing to the festivities with an exhibit opening in April titled “Orlando Collected,” featuring 150 objects.

“Interestingly enough, the history center started when citizens from Orlando collected things,” Scottie Campbell, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, said. “It was a tiny exhibit and just grew and grew and grew over the years. This kind of pays homage to that.”

The city has planned a year-long celebration filled with community events, historical exhibits, and public art installations.

Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to participate in various activities, including volunteering, supporting local businesses, and exploring the city’s rich history.

The anniversary aims to foster a deeper understanding of Orlando’s past while also looking toward the future.

Dyer expressed his vision for the city, stating, “I see Orlando as a leading city, future ready city. I see Orlando as being one of the dynamic cities that embraces new technology and leads the country.”

For more details on the city’s 150th anniversary, click here.

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