Robert Reiniger Meredith Willson is born in Mason City, Iowa.

After graduating high school, Meredith heads to New York City to study at Damrosch Institute (now The Juilliard School).

Meredith realizes his dream of playing in the John Philip Sousa band as principal flutist.

Later, he is named principal flutist with the New York Philharmonic.

Meredith and Ralina “Rini” Zarova wed and are together until her death in 1966. Rini and Meredith would team up to play all the parts of The Music Man as it took shape over its 7 years of development.

Meredith works in radio, which includes time as the head of the music division of the Armed Forces Radio Services.

Meredith writes It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas.

Meredith Willson’s The Music Man opens on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Meredith Willson’s The Unsinkable Molly Brown premieres on Broadway.

The Music Man movie premieres in Mason City, going on to win six Academy Awards. 

Meredith premieres Here’s Love, the musical now known as Miracle on 34th Street, the Musical.

Meredith and Rosemary are married on Valentine’s Day.

At 82 years old, Meredith passes away with Rosemary, his wife of 16 years, by his side.

President Reagan posthumously awards Meredith the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his accomplishments and generosity.

Rosemary Willson establishes the “Meredith and Rosemary Willson Charitable Foundation” to honor her late husband.

Rosemary substantially increases the Foundation’s endowment upon her death. Philanthropic activities start as “The Music Man Foundation.”

The Foundation announces the Meredith Willson Awards, focused on work at the intersection of music and well-being. The Foundation also supports organizations that celebrate the life and work of Meredith Willson.

Over the last decade alone, the Foundation has awarded more than $22 million to over 80 nonprofit organizations across the United States.

The Music Man is still performed in more than 300 communities every year.