Bedford County invites residents to submit items for 250th‑anniversary time capsule; sealing July 3

Bedford County officials on May 19 invited residents to submit materials for a 250th‑anniversary time capsule that will be sealed July 3 and opened in 50 years.

Commissioner Pence, introduced by the county mayor as the committee lead on the project, described the capsule and submission process and encouraged broad participation. "This stainless steel capsule is 20 in 16 in tall and we cannot receive any of your in‑laws ashes," Pence said, adding that irreplaceable family jewelry would also not be accepted. He said submission packets are available in the courthouse lobby, on the Bedford County website, or by phone at 931‑580‑9696; the submission deadline is June 22.

Pence said Carol Roberts will receive and vet submissions and that the committee will photograph the capsule’s contents for the archives. The capsule will be sealed and buried as part of the Stars & Stripes Shelbyville program; sealing begins at 4 p.m. on July 3. "We're going to bury it on the south side right over here behind the Veterans Memorial up against, I guess, the window right there at Chad's office," Commissioner Davis said, describing the planned burial site and thanking volunteers helping with the excavation.

Organizers said the capsule is intended to capture the county’s daily life in 2026 and to provide a snapshot for residents in 50 years. The committee plans to place a record of the capsule’s contents in the county archives and photograph the assembled items.

The committee encouraged homeowners, organizations and schools to participate; packets and the submission guide include instructions on acceptable items and packaging. The county asked submitters to expect a vetting process and to retain receipts of what they submit.