Jensen Picks Bret Richardson, Megan Wiles to Lead Bicentennial Committee

The City of Noblesville has created a committee to plan the city’s Bicentennial Celebration in 2023, the 200th anniversary of Noblesville being platted.

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen has appointed Bret Richardson and Megan Wiles to serve as the honorary chairs of the Noblesville Bicentennial Committee. The two will oversee the planning and programming of the celebration, while residents will help provide input and volunteer at the events.

“The goal is to showcase 200 years of community contributions, achievements and milestones,” said Jensen. “We aim to encourage the widest possible involvement of the people of Noblesville in the Bicentennial celebration, so that all citizens feel a sense of participation and civic pride in the commemoration of our rich history and bright future.”

Bret Richardson is a sixth generation Noblesville native and his family history in the area dates back to 1821 when his great, great, great grandfather moved to the area before Hamilton County and the city were formed. Richardson and his wife, Tammy, live in a home on Logan Street in the historical district built by his great aunt, Cory Heylmann, who was in the buggy and wagon business in downtown Noblesville in the early 1900s. Richardson is semi-retired and owns two buildings on the historic square. In his free time, Richardson serves as a board member of the Noblesville Preservation Alliance and Noblesville Schools Educational Foundation and is a committee member of Noblesville Main Street. He previously attended Noblesville’s sesquicentennial celebration 50 years ago.

Megan Wiles is the executive director of Riverview Health Foundation.  She has served in that role since March 2015. Her responsibilities include working with the Riverview Health Foundation Board of Directors and community members to raise charitable dollars for the benefit of patients and their families of Riverview Health, the county hospital for Hamilton County. Wiles also is in her second term as a member of the Noblesville Common Council and is currently serving as council president. She has previously served as council vice president, chaired the Economic Development Committee and Finance Committee and created the Downtown District Committee.

Conner and Josiah Polk laid out what is now downtown Noblesville in 1823, which was designated as the Hamilton County seat in 1824 and incorporated in 1851.

Those interested in helping with the event can email bicentennial@noblesville.in.us for more information.