Time capsule burial set for July 4; submissions invited

Hancock County residents have a chance to send a message to the future as part of this year’s Independence Day celebration at Vastwood Park. A community time capsule will be buried July 4 ahead of the annual fireworks show, and the Hancock County Fiscal Court is now accepting items for inclusion.

Judge-Executive Johnny “Chic” Roberts said the ceremony will be held near the Vastwood Park beach house sometime between 5 and 7 p.m., before the fireworks. “There is a marker that explains some of the history of Vastwood Park, and we are going to bury the time capsule close to that area,” he said.

The project is one piece of a broader, yearlong effort to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence in 2026 and to feature Hancock County’s role in this milestone year.

The Hancock County 250 Committee is coordinating local events as part of the nationwide semiquincentennial observance, with the July 4 celebration at Vastwood to include an expanded fireworks display and additional family activities.

Committee members include Roberts, Executive Assistant and Fiscal Court Clerk Sage Petrie Young, Hancock County Schools Superintendent Robby Asberry, Hancock County Public Library Director Tina Snyder, Hancock Clarion Publisher Chelsea Boling and former educator and award-winning author Eddie Price.

Upcoming events will be announced in The Hancock Clarion and on the Hancock County Fiscal Court Facebook page.

Roberts said the committee views the time capsule as a way to preserve a snapshot of community life for residents who will open it 50 years from now. “When you look, in terms of technology, what is going on now, it will be interesting when people open this 50 years from now to see some of the items during this time period,” he said.

Residents, organizations and businesses are encouraged to submit photos, artwork, writings and other small items that reflect life in Hancock County and the wider world today. Any items that are relevant to this time period will be considered. The committee is seeking participation from public, private and homeschools, churches, civic groups, nonprofits, youth sports teams, cities and local industries.

Roberts said local restaurants might contribute menus, for example, while industries could share examples of their products. The Hancock County Historical Society is gathering items, and schools are preparing essays, artwork and photographs. Items from The Hancock Clarion will also be included.

The Fiscal Court has purchased an extra-large Heritage Time Capsules container, which is estimated at 47 inches long, 39 inches wide and 15 inches deep.

“This is one of the larger time capsules,” Roberts said. “We will evaluate items and see what is allowable to go into it, or how much room we have. We don’t want to leave anyone out who is interested in submitting some items.”

To help preserve the contents, the county has also obtained plastic sleeves for individual items. The capsule is designed to remain watertight for 50 years without needing to be enclosed in concrete, though the committee will still take steps to protect submissions and avoid materials that may not hold up well underground.

Roberts said the county hopes to have most items in hand by the first or second week of June so organizers can gauge how much space remains and finalize what will go inside. The deadline may be flexible if there is room left, and additional items could be accepted later.

Items may be dropped off on the third floor of the administration building at the judge-executive’s office, or at either branch of the Hancock County Public Library. For organizations unable to deliver items, Roberts said arrangements can be made for pickup.

“Any items that are relevant to this time period will be accepted,” Roberts said. “They don’t have to be from this specific year. We really want the youth to be involved. Hopefully, they can come back when it is opened.”

The county’s newest time capsule will share the spotlight with another piece of local history. A time capsule sealed in 1985 and housed in a large safe at the old courthouse in Hawesville is scheduled to be opened in 2029, when Hancock County’s 200th anniversary is celebrated. The combination to that safe has been misplaced, and Roberts said officials will also be working to solve that mystery before the bicentennial.

The Yellow Banks Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is again sponsoring its annual poster contest, with this year’s theme focused on the 250th anniversary. Winning entries will be displayed during the July 4 festivities.

Roberts said the committee is considering a full day of activities at Vastwood Park for the 2026 holiday, noting that this year will mark both the nation’s 250th anniversary and the park’s 50th year. Ideas being discussed include a pickleball tournament and other family-friendly events to encourage residents to spend the day at the park. More details will be announced as plans are finalized.

“If you have an idea or think of something that would be neat that we could get the community rallied around to do, we’re open to suggestions,” Roberts said.

Those interested in submitting items for the time capsule or proposing activities and events may contact any committee member.  Roberts and Young can be reached at 270-927-8137 or through the Hancock County Fiscal Court Facebook page. Asberry is available through the Hancock County Board of Education; Snyder through the Hancock County Public Library by phone, email or Facebook; Boling via The Hancock Clarion’s Facebook page or email; and Price through social media or his website.