NORWICH – Dozens of Norwich city residents gathered at the Northeast Classic Car Museum on Rexford Street over the weekend to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the community they love and call home.

The official kick-off of the year-long centennial celebration for the City of Norwich was held Saturday. The event – put together by volunteers on the Norwich Centennial Committee – featured a number of guest speakers, city representative, pictures of Norwich past, and of course, a birthday cake to help usher in the 100th year since Norwich was first recognized as a city.

Attendees were also given the opportunity to tour the museum at a special 25 cent admission price. According to organizers, the venue was the perfect location to host the event as the American automobile is a reminder of simpler days.

“People like you make a community good,” said Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano while speaking to those who attended. “We are so fortunate to have a community full of volunteers who can make things like this happen.”

Proclamations were also awarded on behalf of the city and the New York State Assembly in recognition of the major milestone. “We cannot, and should not, forget those individuals and organizations whose efforts over the past 100 years have helped to shape our quality of life today,” the proclamations read. “Norwich continues to be a vibrant community of citizens who strive to continue their dreams and visions for future generations to enjoy.”

Norwich was officially incorporated as a city on March 12, 1914. The designation was given after members of the state senate and assembly passed the Norwich Charter Bill, later signed by then state Governor Martin Glynn.