As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, residents of Bardstown, Kentucky, gathered on Saturday to unearth a time capsule buried 50 years ago to commemorate the nation's bicentennial.

The capsule, described as resembling a brown coffin, was buried in December 1976. Its reopening on Saturday revealed dozens of keepsakes stored in white bins and covered in black garbage bags. The contents were found to be in pristine condition.

Among the discovered items were old photographs, storybooks, a Coca-Cola can from 1976, and newspaper clippings from the day the capsule was buried. Also found were a postcard, a Kentucky-style cookbook, a license plate, cement bricks, a trophy, and a decorative red boot.

Bardstown Mayor Richard Heaton spoke at the event, noting the significance of rediscovering the message left by previous generations. "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," Heaton said, according to WBRT. "Today we have the privilege of discovering what they chose to preserve."

He added, "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."

Margaret Sue Masters, whose mother Sue Carol Cornell was part of the group that organized the 1976 capsule, also spoke at the unearthing. Cornell, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution's John Fitch Chapter, helped enlist community contributions before the capsule was buried. "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.

Margaret Sue Masters, her mother was among the group to organize the 1976 capsule

Masters expressed her family's honor in being present for the unveiling, stating, "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. I am anxiously awaiting to see what treasures my mother left me."

Bardstown Kentucky residents are seen lifting the heavy coffin-like capsule

Bardstown is now seeking items from the public to place in a new time capsule, utilizing the same vault. A poster signed by attendees of Saturday's event will be included in the new capsule, which is scheduled to be opened in 2076.

A 1976 Coke can was also discovered inside the capsule

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