November 3, 2021 – Feb 26, 2022

What is a Sesquicentennial? 

Sesquicentennial. A strange word, but a short way of referring to an anniversary of 150 years. Americans began talking about sesquicentennials in the late 1800s, when some of our nation’s oldest cities in the eastern United States approached that unique milestone. However, it was not until the Sesquicentennial International Exposition in Philadelphia in 1926 that the term really took root as a marker of historical importance. The six-month-long Sesquicentennial Exposition celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.

In 1986, the state of Texas elevated its sesquicentennial to what amounted to a yearlong birthday party. In 2021, Tempe reached that major milestone. Tempeans pondered ... what will Tempe’s sesquicentennial look like compared to other celebrations that have gone before? What are those milestones – those historical markers – that make Tempe .... more... Tempe?

Exhibit Overview

Cattle drives, ASU, Valley Art Theatre, old Dewey Street and San Pablo – Tempe 150 Milestones showed how Tempe has gone from a small, thriving frontier town to a large suburban college town over the span of 150 years.

The diversity of Tempe’s residents is a key ingredient in the city’s growth and success including pioneers from Mexico, Canada, Denmark, Lithuania, Lebanon, China and Japan, as well as the Native Americans who called this region home. Tempe 150 Milestones looks at some of those important moments and the people who shaped them.

Tempe 150 Pop-Up Exhibit

Tempe History Museum invited local community partners - musicians, volunteers, restaurant owners, and many others - to help create a pop-up exhibit marking Tempe’s 150-year history by describing their most important milestone, memorable event or unique happening. Visit the Tempe 150 Perspectives exhibit page here.

Sesquicentennial Highlights

Check out this video featuring Tempe's Mayor and Councilmembers in 2021 as they explore a few fascinating historic locations around our city, share some info about city infrastructure, amenities and local entertainment ... and of course, try to say sesquicentennial.