More than 100 residents and elected officials were on hand to celebrate the Centennial of White Plains City Hall on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The “People’s House” opened on Washington’s Birthday, February 22, 1926, as the seat of government of the new City of White Plains, established in 1916, and as a memorial to the residents of White Plains who had fought in World War I.
The event brought together twelve current and former council members. Speakers included Congressman George Latimer, former Mayor Tom Roach, current Mayor Justin Brasch and White Plains Police Officer Ross Wade.
Two original videos, produced by the White Plains Community Media team, focused on the building of City Hall and the many monuments paying tribute to White Plains residents who have offered their lives in all of our nation’s wars. There was also recognition of those who have worked in the "People's House" to make White Plains the vibrant city to live and to work in it is.
Other historical materials, which are all available on the city website, include a poster presentation, biographies of all 21 mayors of White Plains, a list of all 98 people who have served on the White Plains Common Council, biographies of the residents of White Plains who died in World War I and are pictured outside the Common Council chamber, and descriptions of the sketches of White Plains in 1876 that hang on the walls at City Hall.
Special recognition was paid to those who helped research and produce the historic materials related to the City Hall Centennial, including Larry Geiger, City Archivist Elaine Massena and video producers Rita Santos and Keith Baker.
All materials are available for viewing and downloading at https://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/1068/City-Hall-Centennial.
12 Council Members and one Congressman got together at the City Hall Centennial Celebration on March 1, 2026. (from left, back row) Former Mayor Tom Roach (now Westchester County Clerk), Congressman George Latimer, Council Member Nick Wolff, former Council Member Dennis Power, Mayor Justin Brasch, Council Member Jeremiah Frei-Pearson, and former Council Member and former Assemblyman David Buchwald, (Front Row) Former Council Member Beth Smayda, Council Member Evelyn Alicea-Santiago, Former Council Member Jenn Puja (now Westchester County Legislator), Council President Vicky Presser, Former Council Member and former County Legislator Ben Boykin, and Council Member Valerie Simmons