The South Dakota State Historical Society and the South Dakota America 250 Commission are seeking items from South Dakotans to be placed in a time capsule, which will be opened in 2076.
The time capsule will be buried at the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial in Sioux Falls on November 2, the birth date of South Dakota.
“The burying of this time capsule will be our capstone event for the South Dakota America 250 Commission,” said Dr. Ben Jones, South Dakota State Historian and South Dakota America 250 Commission Chairman. “We’ve had an incredible year of events, and this is a great way to celebrate our state’s birthday.”
Items recommended for the time capsule include metal, pottery, stone, or other durable material. This will ensure the integrity of the items when the time capsule is reopened. The recommended size of items is 2×2, the approximate size of a wristwatch or business card. Examples of acceptable items include lapel pins, expired driver’s licenses, laminated paper, or fishing lures.
Individuals wishing to provide an object for consideration can mail it to David Grabitske at the South Dakota State Historical Society. The mailing address is South Dakota State Historical Society 900 Governor’s Drive Pierre, SD 57501. The submission deadline is Friday, October 16th.
Final selection criteria will be determined by a sub-group of the South Dakota 250 Commission, and individuals whose items are selected will be invited to the burying ceremony. Additional information includes the time of the burying ceremony, location within the Battleship South Dakota park, and items selected will be available prior to the event.
“This is a great opportunity for South Dakotans to share their personal history with future generations,” concluded Jones. “We look forward to this event and celebrating our state.”
South Dakota State Historical Society