The Villages of Van Buren County are preparing a new countywide time capsule to be buried during the Scenic Drive on Sunday, October 11th, with plans for it to be opened in 2076 during America’s 300th anniversary, according to a social media post from the Bonaparte Community Improvement Association.
The effort is part of the Villages of Van Buren County’s America 250 celebration. This summer, the group had the opportunity to open a countywide time capsule that was buried during America’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976 — and now they are working to leave something behind for the next generation.
Each of the 11 Villages of Van Buren County is being asked to contribute a small collection of materials that tells the people of 2076 something about who their community was in 2026. Paper and photo materials should fit within a 10-by-13-inch manila envelope and could include current photographs of the community and its people, flyers, brochures, menus, event materials, information about organizations or landmarks, a short letter or message to the people of 2076, or anything else that makes a village uniquely itself. Each community may also include one small physical item no larger than approximately a 4-by-4-inch box. When the 1976 capsule was opened, some of the most interesting contents were ordinary objects that represented everyday life fifty years ago.
Villages of Van Buren, Inc. will also be including a 2026 Villages Guide and countywide materials in the capsule, so individual villages do not need to duplicate general county information unless it is particularly important to their community’s story.
Because materials will need to remain safely stored for 50 years, organizers are asking contributors to keep preservation in mind. Metal fasteners such as paper clips, staples, and metal clasps should be avoided as they can rust over time. Rubber bands, standard adhesive tape, and glues are also not recommended as they can deteriorate or damage surrounding materials. Organizers recommend placing papers and photographs in Mylar barrier bags with oxygen absorbers where appropriate to provide an added layer of protection. Laminating original materials is not recommended, as the adhesives and plastics can deteriorate over time and the process cannot be reversed.
The Bonaparte Community Improvement Association is asking Bonaparte residents to share what they would like to see included in the capsule to represent their community. Because the burial is planned for October 11th, communities will need to move quickly to gather ideas and items.
Those with questions can contact Villages of Van Buren, Inc. Executive Director Emily Starnes at 319-293-7111 or by mail at 809 First Street, P.O. Box 9, Keosauqua, IA 52565.
