Bamberg County assembles community time capsule to preserve 2026 life

Bamberg County is inviting families, churches, community organizations and businesses to contribute items to a community time capsule that will be placed at the Bamberg County Courthouse Annex and opened in 50 years. The county says contributions should be appropriate for all ages and generally smaller than 7 inches by 9 inches.

Organizers have suggested items that capture everyday life and local identity: church bulletins, recent school report cards, printed photos with identifications, receipts that show current prices, business cards or small promotional items, and letters to future descendants. The project emphasizes preserving ordinary records that can tell future generations about life in Bamberg County today.

Submission rules and packaging guidance are being provided so donations arrive ready for selection. Mail items to Bamberg County, c/o TIME CAPSULE PROJECT, PO Box 149, Bamberg, SC 29003. For questions about submission timing, packaging or what will be included, contact Bamberg County weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (803) 245-7970 ext. 2 or email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov. Organizers caution that space inside the capsule is limited, so not every submitted item can be guaranteed inclusion, and donors should not expect items to be returned. When possible, contributors are encouraged to submit digital versions of photographs in addition to printed copies.

The project has local public health and equity implications that community leaders and contributors should consider. Time capsules can shape the historical record, so who is represented matters. County officials are asking a broad cross section of partners to participate so the collection reflects the county's diversity of faiths, neighborhoods, school families and small businesses. At the same time contributors should avoid placing sensitive personal data in donations. Medical records, Social Security numbers and other private information are not appropriate for a public capsule and could create privacy or public health concerns if preserved without consent.

For community organizations and small businesses, the capsule is an opportunity to document financial and social conditions now, from receipts that show current prices to the promotional items that define local commerce. For schools and churches, including bulletins, programs and class materials can help future residents understand local institutions. Personal letters to descendants can carry family histories and hopes across generations.

This is a civic moment to craft how Bamberg County will be seen by residents in 50 years. Residents who want their voice preserved should prepare items within the size limit, include clear identification on photos, consider submitting digital copies, and contact the county for the current collection schedule and selection details. The choices made now will shape the story open to future Bamberg residents.