04/06/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2026
Jacksonville Bicentennial Committee Announces Bicentennial Time Capsule Burial Ceremony
JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — As part of Jacksonville’s Bicentennial celebration, the Bicentennial Committee will host a community time capsule burial ceremony on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, on the Central Park Plaza in Downtown Jacksonville.
Residents and visitors are invited to attend the special event commemorating Jacksonville’s 200-year history and looking ahead to the community’s future.
Prior to the burial, the contents of the time capsule will be available for public viewing from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The viewing will allow attendees to see letters, memorabilia and items selected to represent Jacksonville in 2025.
A short ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m., immediately followed by the burial of the time capsule.
Community members who would like to contribute a letter to be included in the capsule may still do so. Time capsule envelopes are available for purchase for $20 at the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce. The envelopes are designed specifically for letter submissions that will be preserved inside the capsule.
The final deadline to submit letters or other approved contents is May 8, 2026.
“This time capsule will allow us to capture a moment in Jacksonville’s history during our bicentennial year,” said Mayor Andy Ezard. “It’s a unique opportunity for residents to share messages, memories and reflections that will tell the story of our community to future generations.”
The Committee encourages residents, families, students, businesses and local organizations to take part in the project and leave their mark on Jacksonville’s history.
For more information about the time capsule or the time capsule event, contact the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
