Capturing 2026, one artifact at a time

Encapsulating the cultural zeitgeist of Burke County in 2026 with a catalog of objects might be challenging, but it’s worth it so the next generation or two of history nerds can gaze upon the ancient artifacts of everyday objects used by their grandparents.

A pink Stanley cup, an iPhone, and Ingles coupons (that the next generations could, perhaps, finally use in Morganton) are just a few ideas for the Burke County America250 Committee’s time capsule.

The coupons are actually to show the price of food in 2026, said Committee Chairman Ed Phillips.

Although the time capsule will not be sealed by the nation’s 250th anniversary due to delayed shipment of the commemorative plaques, it will be sealed this year, Phillips said.

The concept is to seal the time capsule with objects representing life in 2026 until July 4, 2076 — The United States’ 300th anniversary. Until then, the time capsule will be on display in the Burke County Register of Deeds lobby.

Phillips said acquiring “hard artifacts” (tangible objects) in such a digital age has been challenging.

“We’re going to have a table of contents booklet that will list everything that’s in it, and maybe a reason why,” Phillips said. “(In case) 50 years from now, they see something they don’t recognize.”

Instead of focusing solely on the positive, Phillips also plans to include objects like opioid pill bottles to represent the opioid crisis and prints of photos he took in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

The time capsule was built by Western Piedmont Community College faculty, including John Ferguson and Steve Crawford, and students of woodworking and metalworking.

Ferguson said he and his team — the woodworkers — started with a prototype frame around February.

Because it involved students, it took a little extra time, Ferguson said, but it paid off.

“I took the liberty of writing the names of everyone who worked on it on the bottom,” Ferguson said. “In pencil, because graphite lasts a long time. I didn’t realize just how many people worked on it until then.”

Ferguson said it was a wonderful project to be part of.

The capsule measures about 30 inches tall and 16 inches wide.

America250 is a national initiative to celebrate the 250th anniversary of signing the Declaration of Independence.

The America250 website said: “The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.”