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Lebanon City Council adopts resolution reaffirming Declaration principles and outlines careful plan for 1976 time capsule opening
Summary
At a July 2 special meeting, Lebanon City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 7 reaffirming the principles of the Declaration of Independence and described conservation steps and tentative dates for opening and reburying a 1976 time capsule.
Lebanon City Council voted unanimously July 2 to adopt Resolution No. 7 reaffirming the principles of the Declaration of Independence and to proceed with a carefully planned opening of the city’s 1976 time capsule.
The council’s action followed a reading of a June 8, 1976 letter from the Lebanon City Bicentennial Committee that set rules for items removed from the capsule and instructions for trustees. Mayor Sherry Capello read the letter and explained practical conservation steps officials plan to take once the welded capsule is exhumed.
"We will need to grind that. We don't want to use any torching or any flames," Mayor Sherry Capello said, describing the intended approach to opening the sealed capsule. She said items should set in a climate-controlled environment for 24 hours, be handled with white gloves on acid-free paper, and be placed into protective poly sleeves. Wooden nickels will be given an additional protective coating.
The council also discussed adding contemporary items to a new capsule. Visit Lebna Valley has offered to fund an additional capsule so the historic contents may be preserved in the original container while new materials are stored in a second capsule. Officials said they are considering reburial on July 28, but that date was described as tentative; alternative windows include the week of July 13 or July 20 pending final logistics and conservation arrangements.
Council members closed discussion and the clerk called the roll. Mrs. Hayes, Mr. Magguire, Mr. Podash, Mr. Wilson and Chairman Martin each voted "Yes," and the motion to adopt Resolution No. 7 carried.
The resolution reaffirms the city's commitment to the civic principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence and places the signed rededication text into the time capsule after it is opened and conserved. Council members invited attendees to sign the rededication statement at the meeting for placement into the capsule.
What happens next: city staff will finalize conservation contractors and a schedule for opening and temporary display. Officials said they will publish confirmed dates once arrangements are complete.
