On November 10, 1879, Daniel Coit Gilman, President of The Johns Hopkins University, proposed to members of the Maryland Historical Society that an official celebration of the 150th anniversary of Baltimore be undertaken. Two committies were formed, but little was planned until the German patriotic societies breathed new enthusiasm into the project. In September, a Municipal Committee was appointed which, along with the German committies, planned the celebration. Colonel J. Thomas Scharf served as Secretary of the Municipal Executive Committee and historical consultant. The cumbersome name, "Municipal Executive Committee for the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Founding of the City of Baltimore," was shortened to the popularly used "Sesquicentennial Committee."

The festivities began on October 11, 1880 and continued until October 15. Many out-of-town dignitaries were invited, and a great number were able to attend. A complete account of the celebration was published the following year: Spencer, Edward, ed. An Account of the Municipal Celebration of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Settlement of Baltimore October 11th-19th, 1880, with a Sketch of the History, and Summary of the Resources of the City. (Baltimore: 1881).