Bedford County invites residents to submit items for 250th‑anniversary time capsule

Commissioner Hansen opened a call for residents to participate in a countywide time capsule commemorating Bedford County’s 250th anniversary, saying the capsule will be sealed with the intent of being opened in 50 years to offer a “window into the lives” of today’s community.

The chamber announced submission packets are available in the courthouse lobby and on the Bedford County website, and officials provided a reference guide for preparing items. Commissioner Hansen said the submission deadline is June 22 and that Carol Roberts will receive and vet submissions; contributors will receive receipts listing what they submitted.

Officials described the physical container as a stainless‑steel time capsule roughly 20 inches by 16 inches in size and said certain items will not be accepted, including human ashes and irreplaceable jewelry. The committee asked contributors to follow the reference guide when preparing items to ensure safe, appropriate contents.

Commissioner Davis said the capsule will be buried on the courthouse’s south side behind the Veterans Memorial near the county clerk’s office and that a local funeral home will handle excavation after utilities were cleared with 811. The sealing and burial are scheduled to be part of the Stars and Stripes Shelbyville program on July 3 beginning at 4:00 p.m., with a ceremonial presentation of the flag by the event’s equestrian contingent.

Commissioner Davis and others thanked staff and volunteers leading the project, including Sylvia and Shannon Boyette, and invited broad public participation. The record lists a contact phone number for submissions as 931‑580‑9696.

Next steps: submissions accepted through June 22; the committee will photograph and archive a record of capsule contents before burial, and the capsule will be sealed on July 3 as part of the scheduled public event.