NEW CASTLE – Craig County’s historical society wrapped up its contributions to the America 250 celebration earlier this month, when it sealed a time capsule that will remain sealed for the next 50 years.
The ceremony, which was held during New Castle’s Fall Festival, included a short speech about what contents are being included and why those were chosen.
The contents were put in the safe, which has a timed lock that will prevent the door from being opened until America’s tricentennial in 2076.
Among the items in the capsule:
Representing the community:
Both an introductory letter and one addressed to those in the future written by Craig County Tourism Commission chair Tina Crawford.
A shoulder patch and current list of employees in the Craig County Sheriff’s Department.
The New Castle Record’s graduation feature of Craig County High School’s Class of 2026, along with copies of the valedictorian and salutatorian speeches recited by Kallie and Kammie Fisher, as well as a photo of the class throwing their graduation mortarboards in the air.
An art project from McClearly Elementary’s third, fourth and fifth grade classes.
A Craig County Barn Quilt Trail brochure.
Photographs of the sites around New Castle, including the Farmers Market, town mural and county courthouse.
Representing the America250 and Craig250 celebrations:
Advertisements and brochures from celebrations held this year.
A brochure from the Daughters of the American Revolution Patriot Marker dedication ceremony and July 4 bulletins from the New Castle Christian Church and Forks of John’s Creek Church.
The pattern of the Craig County American 250 quilt, which was revealed at the Independence Day Parade.
A Craig250 Semiquincentennial Challenge Coin.
Representing history:
Various coins from 2026 and other years that have significance.
The county history booklet In and Around Craig County 1851.
There was also a poem written by lifelong Craig County resident and quilter Judith Caldwell Ayers titled Craig County Stars.
– The New Castle Record
