Jacksonville’s year-long bicentennial celebration in 2025 will well and truly wrap up May 26, when the community’s next time capsule will be buried in Central Park Plaza on the downtown square.
“This time capsule will allow us to capture a moment in Jacksonville’s history during our bicentennial year,” Mayor Andy Ezard said. “It’s a unique opportunity for residents to share messages, memories and reflections that will tell the story of our community to future generations.”
Contents to be buried in the new time capsule will be available for viewing from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. with a short ceremony beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the burial to follow, according to the Jacksonville Bicentennial Committee.
A time capsule buried on the square during the city’s sesquicentennial celebrations in 1975 was unearthed during the bicentennial celebrations.
The new time capsule, which is expected to be opened during the city’s 250th anniversary in 2075, will be filled with assorted memorabilia intended to give future Jacksonville residents a glimpse of life today, along with letters from residents and community groups to their descendants and future leaders.
Letters and other approved items still can be included in the time capsule through May 8. The cost to include a letter is $20, which pays for the archival-quality envelope. Letters may be submitted to Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce.