Council discusses opening 1976 time capsule for 250th celebration, warns of preservation risks

During the open-floor portion of the pre-council meeting, councilors and the mayor discussed plans to open a 1976 time capsule believed to be buried at the park and options for displaying its contents as part of Lebanon City's 250th anniversary activities.

A speaker identified in the meeting as Cornell asked whether the capsule would be opened this year. Mayor Sherry El Capello said the city is "finalizing" plans and that the capsule would need to be opened at the beginning of July and reburied by July 30 to meet the instructions left by the bicentennial committee. The mayor said the historical society has a photograph believed to depict the capsule and that the society could assist with conservation and professional photography.

The mayor also warned about preservation risks. "Anytime those items get exposed to air or you touch them, you can put, according to Doug Eder, spores on them that can cause them to deteriorate," she said. "I have a duty since it's on my shoulders...to make sure that we are preserving it appropriately."

Members discussed displaying the capsule or its contents at the expo center but expressed concern that the expo center might not be the safest location for fragile items. Council and the historical society will evaluate professional conservation and photography options; the 250th committee has requested the opportunity to add items to the capsule, and the mayor said the committee should prioritize what to include. Council mentioned the possibility of a special meeting to finalize plans and asked historical society staff to advise on safe handling and display.

The meeting did not record a final decision; councilors said they expect to finalize details and public notification soon so the public can view the capsule or its contents during July events.