Celebrating 175 Years
This year-long celebration is a unique opportunity to foster pride as we reflect on Rochester’s rich history. It is also an occasion to lay the foundation for the next 175 years. We have united under the theme, “One City, One Future."
Veterans Day RPO POPS Spectacular - with a Gigapan Photo
Rochester celebrated its history on Veterans Day with a heart-pounding musical salute to the area's veterans by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Pops under the direction of Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik.
The event was recorded with two high-resolution GigaPan photographs. These are high-resolution panoramic photographs that allow users to zoom in on individual faces in the crowd. They can then take snapshots of faces in the crowd and e-mail them to their friends around the world.
Click here and here to see the GigaPan photos.
To learn how to take a snapshot of an individual subject click here.
This event was sponsored by Nothnagle Realtors, First Niagara Bank, Rochester Area Chevy Dealers, Canandaigua National Bank and Trust, VisitRochester and Junior Achievement of Rochester.
The Big Wish
The 175th Anniversary has also created an opportunity to engage the community's hopes and dreams for the future of Rochester through an event called "The Big Wish Fire Ceremony," which debuted on Dec. 31, 2008.
The goal is 175,000 wishes. Dollar donations to the One City Fund will also be accepted. Wishes and donations can be dropped off at First Niagara branches, Rochester Area Chevy dealerships and at various festivals and city offices. To submit wishes online, visit www.bigwishrochester175.com.
On New Year’s Eve, those wishes will once again be launched toward the sky in a the Big Wish Fire Ceremony, with a chance to win one of 175 prizes, including an all new Chevy Traverse.
This year, all who live in, around and beyond Rochester are invited to participate in the many events planned to honor our great City. We encourage everyone to get involved in the celebrations whether that be through volunteering to help organize an event, attend an event, or create your own event.
Please continue to check back to this site for updates on 175th activities. If you would like to find out more information on how you can get involved, please contact Mary Howard at (585) 428-7135 or howardm@cityofrochester.gov.
Rochester History Videos
The history of Rochester comes alive in a series of short videos produced by Shiera Coleman of City12.
Interactive Rochester history
Learn about the history of the city of Rochester at this fun and informative interactive timeline:
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