Schaumburg sends 2026 time capsule to the residents of 2051

Schaumburg officials last week carried on the tradition the community enjoyed this summer by sending a time capsule from this 70th anniversary year to the village residents of 2051.

Just where the 2001 capsule was unearthed, village board members and staff last Friday buried the new one at the clock tower at Town Square on the southwest corner of Schaumburg and Roselle roads.

The intention is to carry out the practice every 25 years through 2101, and so preserve a full century of the community’s history.

“What a fitting time to continue this tradition as Schaumburg celebrates its 70th anniversary,” Schaumburg Mayor Tom Dailly said in a statement. “Opening the capsule from 2001 gave us a chance to reflect on how much our community has changed in just 25 years. Now, we’re preserving a piece of Schaumburg today so future generations can look back in 2051 and discover the businesses, schools and everyday experiences that shaped our community.”

The 2026 time capsule includes a variety of contributions from local businesses, schools, community organizations and village departments. Among them are renderings and plans of the new village hall opening next month, along with memorabilia celebrating Schaumburg’s 70th anniversary.

Other items include issues of the village’s Cracker Barrel newsletter, a street banner, locally made products, school yearbooks, restaurant menus and local sports team gear.

The contents of the 2001 time capsule were part of the village’s 70th anniversary commemorative exhibit on display at the Schaumburg Township District Library from July to September. The exhibit’s opening was accompanied by a summer concert by the John Mellencamp tribute band Mellencougar just outside in Town Square.