Fascinating bicentennial time capsule from 1976 is reopened as America turns 250… and its contents are pristine
A 50-year-old time capsule was unearthed in Kentucky as America marked its 250th anniversary.
Resembling a brown coffin, the capsule was buried in Bardstown in December 1976 to celebrate the United States’ bicentennial.
The time vault was reopened Saturday, revealing dozens of keepsakes stored in white bins and wrapped in black garbage bags.
It took about six people to lift the massive lid, unveiling the capsule’s pristine contents.
Old photographs, storybooks, a Coke can, and newspaper clippings from the day it was buried were discovered.
Also inside were a postcard, a Kentucky-style cookbook, a license plate, cement bricks, a trophy and a decorative red boot.
‘Fifty years ago, the people of Bardstown gathered here to celebrate our nation’s 200th birthday and intentionally left behind a message for future generations,’ Bardstown Mayor Richard Heaton said, per WBRT.
‘Today we have the privilege of discovering what they chose to preserve.
A bicentennial time vault buried in December 1976 was reopened on Saturday
Bardstown Kentucky residents are seen lifting the heavy coffin-like capsule
Margaret Sue Masters, her mother was among the group to organize the 1976 capsule
‘As we go through this time capsule, I hope we remember that history is more than dates and artifacts – it’s the story of ordinary people who care deeply about their families and communities and their country,’ he added.
Margaret Sue Masters spoke at the excavation, as her mom – Sue Carol Cornell – was among the group to organize the 1976 time capsule.
Cornell and Sarah Smith, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s John Fitch Chapter, helped invite the community to contribute items to the time capsule before it was buried, Masters said.
‘Today marks the day the city of Bardstown and the John Fitch Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution can be proud of, the roles they played in securing this time capsule for our community to celebrate today’ Masters said.
‘I am proud that my family had a small hand in burying this time capsule, and today my family is honored to be here for the unveiling.
Artifacts including magazines and cookware were discovered inside
Old papers and books were found in pristine condition
Bardstown is now accepting current items from the public to add to the next capsule
A 1976 Coke can was also discovered inside the capsule
‘I am anxiously awaiting to see what treasures my mother left me,’ she added.
The town is now accepting items from the public for its next time capsule and plans to reuse the same coffin-like vault.
A poster signed by residents who attended the capsule unearthing will be placed in the next time capsule, which is scheduled to be opened in 2076.
