Westerville went from a dingy, muddy village of simple one and two-story frame buildings in the mid 1800’s to the thriving, 21st century community of today. The beautiful Uptown streets lined with substantial Italianate brick buildings, home to restaurants and shops, reflect the success of Westerville. The can-do spirit of Westerville residents brought about all the successes of our Uptown with its lovely buildings and its standing as the heart of our town.

There is so much history between the birth of that mundane small village to the desirable award-winning community of today. That history has been honored and communicated through our robust plaque program. The second round of plaques sponsored by the legacy of Terry Hayman through the Columbus Foundation are up and garnering attention not only from our community but also from other towns that want to replicate our program.

The Westerville Historical Society wants to honor our Uptown and the successful plaque program with a presentation about the history of the buildings which anchor the Uptown by former Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi. Her presentation will share information about the people, the businesses which have shaped the Uptown and will also include information on some dramatic events that happened there. Current Westerville City Council member Dennis Blair, who has been instrumental in the plaque project, will share information about the history and impact of our plaques. Join us at the Westerville Public Library on Friday, January 26 at 7:30 for this program. The public is welcome to this free event.