City of Bryan celebrating 150th anniversary of incorporation

This year marks the 150^th anniversary of the City of Bryan’s official incorporation on Nov. 29, 1871. That’s 150 years of history to celebrate, and we are taking the opportunity to tell the stories of how Bryan has grown – through the people, places and things that shaped the community.

We’ll be celebrating in different ways throughout the year, including:

• A media-rich website featuring photos, videos and stories from members of the community.
• Historical displays at Clara B. Mounce Library and the Carnegie History Center.
• Historical tours, provided by Destination Bryan.
• Activities and programs through the B+ CS Library System.
• A production of “Heart of the Valley,” a musical written by the late Randy Wilson detailing Bryan’s history – in partnership with The Theatre Company and the Bryan ISD Fine Arts program.
• Burying a time capsule.

All of these activities will culminate in a free Community Thanksgiving Celebration on Nov. 13 at Bryan High School, featuring entertainment by Bryan ISD choirs and bands. Mark your calendar now, and check back closer to the event for instructions on how to reserve your spot at this fun, family-friendly meal.

To keep up with all of the 150^th Anniversary plans this year, make sure to go to 150.bryantx.gov.

Be a part of the celebration

Telling the story of Bryan isn’t as simple as opening a history book. Our community’s story is the compilation of each family’s experiences throughout the last 150 years. And we need your help to do that. To submit items for consideration, an online form is available, or call 979.209.5142.

We are looking for the following types of submissions from residents:

• Photos: Have an old photo from an important moment in Bryan’s history? Or one that shows off what life was like in Bryan years ago? We’ll use a selection of photos submitted to us in an online photo gallery and in an in-person gallery at the Municipal Office Building.
• Historical Artifacts: Whether it’s an old yearbook or letterman’s jacket, a crock made in Bryan or a program from an event years ago, we’re looking for items that depict our history. We would like to borrow these items for temporary display this summer and fall in locked cases in Mounce and Carnegie libraries.
• Oral Histories: If you have a story to tell about a notable family member or a memory of your own, we want to hear it! We will feature a selection of oral histories on our 150^th Anniversary website.

Don’t have photos or historical artifacts, but still want to be part of the celebration? Fill out our online form or call 979.209.5141 and tell us what you have in mind.

Partners

The City of Bryan is thankful for the support of many partners, whose assistance are integral to ensuring the 150^th Anniversary is one to remember:

• KBTX
• The Eagle
• Bryan ISD
• The Bryan + College Station Public Library System
• The Theater Company of Bryan-College Station
• Destination Bryan

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