(Photo by Amber Phipps) Kiwanis Club of Marietta President Shoshanna Brooker talked about a brief history of Marietta and the Start Westward Memorial preservation efforts at the city’s 237th anniversary event Monday in Muskingum Park.

Despite the rain and cold weather Monday morning, the Kiwanis Club of Marietta gathered with members of the community to celebrate the city’s 237th anniversary at the National Memorial to the Start Westward of the United States in Muskingum Park.

“As we gather at the Start Westward Memorial, we’re reminded of the vision and determination of the pioneers who in 1788 established Marietta as the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory,” said Shoshanna Brooker, Kiwanis Club president.

Sculpted by Gutzon Borglum, renowned for his work on Mount Rushmore, the Start Westward Memorial was dedicated in July 1938. The Kiwanis Club of Marietta has long supported preservation of the landmark and efforts are underway to completely restore it before Marietta’s 250th birthday in 2038.

Efforts to preserve the memorial began in 1987, shortly before it was vandalized with graffiti. A conservator was hired to remove the defacement and flag poles were installed in front of the memorial.

“It introduced the illumination to highlight the monument’s prominence in our community,” said Brooker.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The Marine Corps League Detachment 1436 raised the flag at 8 a.m. Monday in Muskingum Park marking the 237th anniversary of the Ohio Company’s arrival in Marietta.

Brooker witnessed the reintroduction of the monument at the age of 11.

The Ohio State Historic Preservation Office is reviewing a nomination to list the Start Westward Memorial on the National Register of Historic Places.

“As we raise the flag today, let it symbolize not only our pride in America’s rich history, but also our commitment to preserving it for future generations,” said Brooker.

Mayor Josh Schlicher thanked everyone for attending and being a supportive community.

“I just wanted to thank the team and for all their efforts,” said Mayor Schlicher. “We have a lot of plans moving forward.”

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The 237th anniversary of the City of Marietta was celebrated Monday morning in Muskingum park. Attendees socialized before the raising of the flag and speeches from Kiwanis Club of Marietta President Shoshanna Brooker and Mayor Josh Schlicher.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Mayor Josh Schlicher speaks in front of the Start Westward Memorial, giving a special thanks to all of those who attended Monday’s event marking Marietta’s 237th anniversary.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The State Westward Memorial is seen Monday, the 237th anniversary of the arrival of members of the Ohio Company in Marietta.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Marietta was established in 1788 as the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, commemorated by the National Memorial to the Start Westward of the United States.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Members of the Kiwanis Club of Marietta, Marine Corps League Detachment 1436 and community members gather for a photo in front of the State Westward Memorial on Monday.