“Welcome to the home of Columbia’s 50th Birthday celebration.
“Here you’ll find information on the events happening throughout the city as we celebrate 50 years of Columbia following its founding in 1967 by the visionary developer, Jim Rouse.
“With activities ranging from concerts to sports and from fireworks to art installations, we’re sure that there will be something for everyone.
“We have planned a true celebration that honors the past, embraces the present and strives to advance the ideals of this progressive, vibrant and inclusive community.
“I hope to see you at some of the events as we come together to celebrate 50 years of this fantastic city –
“Columbia – Be a part of it.”
Vic Broccolino, chair
Columbia 50th Birthday Celebration, Inc.
The celebration has begun.
The Columbia 50th Birthday Celebration, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Its vision is to celebrate a Columbia that honors its bold past; embraces the present, and strives to advance the ideals of a progressive, vibrant and inclusive community.
Columbia Maryland is uniquely tied to the history of urban development in the United States as it is one of he most successful and celebrated examples of the New Town Movement and a model for sustainable and managed growth. It was founded in June of 1967 by visionary developer James Rouse who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In bestowing the award in 1995, President Clinton said, “James Rouse has changed this country. And if more will follow his lead, we can do the entire job we need to do in our cities.”
Columbia 50th Birthday Celebration, Inc.
In 2013, the Columbia 50th Birthday Celebration, Inc. was formed as a 501C3 in order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Columbia, Maryland. This organization has a Board of Directors that is comprised of community leaders, senior-level individuals from Columbia’s major institutions.
The purpose of the organization is to:
Plan, promote, encourage and ultimately execute educational, cultural, environmental and celebratory activities and projects throughout Columbia in 2017 to celebrate the 50th birthday.
Educate the public regarding the founding, planning and development of Columbia in order to instill public pride and recognition of the successful, iconic and internationally acclaimed master planned community.
Board of Directors
Vic Broccolino, Chair
Melissa Mattey, Vice Chair
Howard Community College
Michelle Miller, President
Columbia Association
Nancy Smith , Treasurer
Barbara Kellner, Recording Secretary
Columbia Association Archives
Bridget Graham
Howard County Tourism
Jessica Feldmark
Howard County Government (Council)
Rob Goldman
Elizabeth Edsall Kromm
Howard County General Hospital
Barbara Lawson
Leonardo McClarty
Howard County Chamber of Commerce
Milton Matthews
Columbia Association
Jean Moon
Jean Moon & Associates
Barbara Nicklas
General Growth Properties/The Mall in Columbia
Harry Oken, MD
Dave Simmons
Columbia Festival of The Arts
Vanessa Rodriguez
Howard Hughes Corporation
Mary Schiller
Howard County Public School System
Kelli Shimabukuro
Howard County Library System
Beverly White-Seals
Community Foundation of Howard County
B. Diane Wilson
Howard County Executive’s Office
