09/28/2026
The Mount Union Area Historical Society invites you to the “1976 Bicentennial Time Capsule Celebration” on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 1:00PM at the Sharrar Stone House grounds on Water Street, Mount Union. Come join us as the Society commemorates America’s 250th birthday year with a patriotic program of music, history and a time capsule opening/distribution.
On December 30, 1976 at 11:00AM, the Bicentennial Time Capsule was buried at the Mount Union Cemetery. Several Historical Society members and organizations placed special items in the capsule. Also included were 11 names of babies born in 1976 that were appointed to distribute these contents to the respective owners 50 years later in 2026. Those “babies” who will turn 50 years old this year are: Matthew Biemesderfer, Michael Biemesderfer, Jessica Dimoff, Stacy Estep, Natalie Giacobello, Heather Goodman, Patrick Goodman, Stephanie Hancock, Shannon Harbaugh, Adrienne Kauffman and Tricia Kemp.
The 1976 Bicentennial Time Capsule was unearthed on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 10:00AM at the Mount Union Cemetery. Sadly, upon opening the vault to organize the contents for distribution, it was discovered that nature’s elements had damaged much of the items even though they were wrapped, protected and sealed inside. Thankfully, there are 36 out of 51 items that have been identified & will be given to the designated organizations/families. Although it is disheartening, the Society will proceed with the celebration to honor the efforts of those from the past who joined together to create this memorable event for the Mount Union community.
Please bring your own lawn chair for seating. The Mount Union High School Band will be providing music before and during the gathering. This celebration will be patriotic-themed with red, white and blue décor. The American Legion Auxiliaries will provide refreshments at the conclusion of the event.
The Historical Society will begin to collect items for a new Time Capsule which will be opened 25 years from now in the year 2051. The new capsule will be kept inside on the property. Any Mount Union community member that would like to contribute something (8 X 11 size or smaller) to the new capsule are asked to either bring their item to this event or drop off at the Sharrar House no later than Thursday, December 3, 2026. The Society meets every first Thursday of the month at 6:00PM at the Sharrar Stone House. Items can be dropped off during the meeting times each month up until Dec. 3. Please bag and label the item with your name/to whom it is designated for upon the capsule opening in the year 2051. Any monetary donations given towards this project would be greatly appreciated as well.
We hope to see you at the “1976 Bicentennial Time Capsule Celebration”!
*Like, Share and Spread the Word
