DUNLAP, Tenn. — As America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, local leaders are looking ahead to the nation’s 300th anniversary by creating a new community time capsule that will preserve a snapshot of life in Sequatchie County for the next 50 years.

The Sequatchie County-Dunlap Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents, businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations and community groups to contribute items that tell the story of Dunlap and Sequatchie County in 2026.

The new time capsule will be sealed later this year and is scheduled to be opened in 2076, allowing future generations to see what life was like in the community during America’s 250th celebration.

Organizers are seeking a wide variety of items, including letters to future residents, family photographs, school memorabilia, newspaper articles, event programs and flyers, business cards, menus, advertisements, local maps, tourism materials, children’s artwork and stories about everyday life in 2026.

“This is an opportunity for our community to leave its mark on history,” organizers said. “We want future generations to understand who we were, what we valued and how we lived.”

Items can be dropped off at the Sequatchie County-Dunlap Chamber of Commerce. The deadline for submissions is June 25.

The project comes as the community prepares to open a time capsule originally sealed during the nation’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976. Chamber officials say the new capsule will continue that tradition by preserving the stories, memories and milestones of today’s residents for another half-century.

Residents interested in participating are encouraged to submit meaningful items that reflect life in Dunlap and Sequatchie County today, helping create a historical record for those who will call the area home in 2076.

For more information or to contribute an item, contact the Sequatchie County-Dunlap Chamber of Commerce before the June 25 deadline.