About the Time Capsule

On July 4, 1976, during America's Bicentennial celebration, the Reisterstown community came together to create a time capsule representing life in our town. Filled with photographs, letters, newspapers, keepsakes, and memories, it was sealed with the hope that future generations would one day discover what life was like in Reisterstown during our nation's 200th birthday.

As part of the Baltimore County 250th Anniversary celebration in 2026, Reisterstown Main Street purchased a new commemorative plaque to once again mark the location of the community's 1976 Bicentennial Time Capsule. Installed in partnership with Franklin Middle School, the plaque honors Reisterstown's participation in America's Bicentennial, commemorates Baltimore County's 250th Anniversary, and serves as a reminder as Reisterstown prepares to celebrate its own 150th Anniversary in 2027. Most importantly, it preserves the promise made in 1976 and reminds future generations that the time capsule is to remain sealed until July 4, 2076, when it will be opened during America's Tricentennial, or 300th Anniversary.

This page serves as a growing digital archive of the 1976 celebration and the stories surrounding the time capsule. As photographs, newspaper articles, original film footage, documents, and personal recollections are uncovered, they will be preserved here alongside new contributions from the community. Together, we can ensure that when the time capsule is opened on July 4, 2076, the stories behind its contents have been preserved as well.