By Faith Gallishaw ’25
Derby’s 350th birthday is coming up on May 13, 2025. The community is very excited to celebrate how far this small town has developed since its inception.
Downtown Derby was originally named, “Birmingham Borough,” and East Derby was named “Old Town.” Old Town, now called “ Academy Hill,” was the first area in Derby to be colonized. Shelton Smith and Anson Green Phelps played a key role in transforming Derby from a rural farming community into a thriving industrial town.
Jennifer Olson, the principal of Derby High School, recently shared how DHS plans to commemorate Derby’s 350th birthday. She says, “I did reach out to the committee to say we’re very interested in having Derby High School be a part of this in this some way, shape or form.” She adds, “Potentially an event where we open up the library, and have all the yearbooks on display from 1930 to present. Let people look through them and reminisce and see the changes within the school in terms of enrollment or offering and styles things that would be a fun event. It would also help people get back here into the high school who maybe haven’t had a chance to visit since they’ve graduated.” Displaying the yearbooks will help the community come together and honor the legacy of a town that has grown and evolved for over 350 years.
A new committee has been formed, and also has plans to celebrate Derby’s 350th birthday. According to “The Valley Independent,” signs have been distributed in the downtown area of Derby to honor three huge, important places. These include: the Sterling Opera House, the Derby Public Library, and the Birmingham Green Historic.
As Derby gears up for its 350th birthday celebration, the community is ready to reflect on its rich history and embrace the exciting future ahead.
The Raider Press 