As the nation marks its 250th birthday, Upper Arlington reflects on its own unique story of community, tradition, and civic pride through a special exhibition featuring images from Portrait of an American Town alongside historic photographs of the city’s beloved Fourth of July celebrations.
Portrait of an American Town was first conceived in the 1970s and brought to life as a landmark portrait film in the early 1980s. This multimedia project was created by photographer and Ohio State professor Robert Wagner, with associate producers Al Clarke and Julius Foris. Developed over nearly a decade, the project captured the people, places, and everyday rhythms that defined Upper Arlington at the time, telling a local story that resonates deeply with the broader American experience.
Coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary, this year also marks the 100th time Upper Arlington has held a community-wide Fourth of July celebration. This exhibit highlights historic images and stories from a century of Upper Arlington’s parades, traditions, and cherished memories. These photographs create a vivid time capsule, capturing the enduring spirit of community and togetherness that has long defined Independence Day in Upper Arlington.
An American Town: Celebrating 250 Years invites visitors to explore how local stories weave into the fabric of our national identity, and how shared moments of celebration continue to shape what it means to be part of an American community.
1976.