Bardstown, Kentucky, a town preparing to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, recently unearthed and reopened a time capsule that was sealed in December 1976 to commemorate the nation's bicentennial.
The coffin-like capsule, buried 50 years ago, was opened on Saturday to reveal its preserved contents. The effort to lift the heavy lid required approximately six people. Inside, dozens of items were found stored in white bins and wrapped in black garbage bags.
Among the discovered artifacts were old photographs, storybooks, a Coca-Cola can from 1976, and newspaper clippings from the day the capsule was buried. A postcard, a Kentucky-style cookbook, a license plate, cement bricks, a trophy, and a decorative red boot were also among the items recovered.
Bardstown Mayor Richard Heaton remarked on the significance of the event, stating that the original organizers intentionally left a message for future generations. He emphasized that history is more than just dates and artifacts, but the stories of ordinary people connected to their families, communities, and country.
Margaret Sue Masters spoke at the unearthing ceremony. Her mother, Sue Carol Cornell, was part of the group that organized the 1976 time capsule. Cornell, along with Sarah Smith of the Daughters of the American Revolution's John Fitch Chapter, had invited the community to contribute items for the capsule. Masters expressed pride in her family's role in burying the capsule and honor in being present for its unveiling, anticipating what treasures her mother might have preserved.
Bardstown is now inviting the public to contribute items for a new time capsule. The town plans to reuse the original vault, which is scheduled to be opened in 2076. A poster signed by residents who attended the recent capsule unearthing will be placed in this new capsule.