DuPage County fills time capsule to mark country’s 250th anniversary

A welcome letter to new residents in Addison, articles about a new Crisis Recovery Center, and a program guide from Union Pacific’s Big Boy locomotive’s recent stop in West Chicago are among the dozens of items placed in a time capsule Tuesday for DuPage County residents to open in 2051.

The time capsule, which will be stored in one of the columns outside the entrance of the county’s administration building in Wheaton, features items donated from each of the county’s six districts, countywide elected officials and mayors across the county.

A ceremony to fill and seal the time capsule was held on Tuesday. It’s one of several county events to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.

“This time capsule represents more than just objects and documents,” DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy said. “It reflects our successes and challenges, the spirit of our communities, the strength of our partnerships, and our shared commitment to public service. One day, our successors will open this capsule and gain an understanding of the issues we faced, our values, and our hopes for the future.”

Some of the other items donated by county board members for the time capsule include: a Mandalorian Lego minifigure, a rock from the Glen Ellyn train station, a newsletter from the Muslim Civic Coalition, a whistle to symbolize solidarity among Latinos in DuPage County, a picture of current county board members, a leaf from a 200-year-old oak tree, and a Jewish rock from the Holocaust museum.

Mayors from across the county donated items, including lapel pins, planning documents, Christmas ornaments, challenge coins, a letter to the future and photos.

“As we place these items in the time capsule for future generations, we’re also recognizing something that has long been a defining strength of DuPage County, the enduring partnership between the county and our conference members,” said Roselle Mayor David Pileski, who also serves as immediate past president of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference.

“Every day, our communities work alongside DuPage County to address challenges, deliver essential services and advance initiatives that improve the quality of life for those we serve.”

County leaders said they hope the items in the time capsule help remind future residents of the community spirit and pride in DuPage.

“We’re in such an interesting and innovative time,” county board member Kari Galassi said. “I think it’s an interesting moment in time to capture.”

DuPage is also working with other agencies to host other events to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary.

The DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau and the county board are encouraging residents to enter submissions for the “Snapshots of DuPage: Honoring 250 years of America” photo contest. Entries in adult and youth categories will be accepted until Nov. 2.

Residents are invited to participate in the DuPage County Historical Museum’s oral history program called “Voices of DuPage.” The program will collect stories from residents whose unique experiences help paint a picture of life in DuPage County.

Choose DuPage is working with area business leaders who will share the story of their business and how it contributed to the local economy.

Additionally, the historical museum will host an exhibit titled “Defining US: The 250th Anniversary of the United States.” The exhibit, which opens in July, examines U.S. history from a DuPage perspective.

The museum will also host an exhibit, opening in August, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and highlighting notable DuPage County firsts.

Information about the photo contest can be found at discoverdupage.com.

For information about the “Voices of DuPage" program or the museum exhibits, visit dupagemuseum.org.