North Ridgeville Historical Society: Semiquincentennial

The word of the day today is semiquincentennial. This term will become more and more familiar as we move into the country’s 250th birthday next year. A semiquincentennial is a 250th anniversary of an event and broken down the word meaning is: semi is 1/2, quin is 5 and centennial is 100, SO it is half of 500!

There are so many events being planned here in town to celebrate this milestone and our group is getting a head start. We’ve just created a new display at the Library that celebrates two of the first agencies established by the Continental Congress to help form what would later become the United States of America.

One side of the display celebrates the United States Postal Service-established in 1775 as a way for the colonies to send and receive messages without using the British colonial mail. (The colonies needed a more secure way to plan the treason that was about to be committed!). This side features stamps which highlight the “Legends of Hollywood.”

The other side of the display celebrates the United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing- where our paper money is created. This agency was also established in 1775 and was an integral way to finance the Revolutionary War. There are samples of paper currency from not only America but a few other countries.

SO – today you can throw that big word around, share your newfound knowledge and see what other historians you might encounter! (And don’t forget to visit the library too!)