Parma Hilton Historical Society Dedicates America 250 Time Capsule
On Saturday, August 8, the Parma Hilton Historical Society held a community celebration and dedicated its America 250 Time Capsule. Community members donated many of the items inside for future generations to discover in 2076. During the afternoon, the 1976 Time Capsule was opened, and its contents were on display for all to see.
President of the Society, Jeri Pickett, shared these words with the group who gathered for the dedication:
“Today, we gather in a place where history comes full circle. Fifty years ago, during our nation’s Bicentennial, the citizens of the Town of Parma and Village of Hilton looked to the future with hope. They dedicated the time capsule we honor here today, preserving pieces of their lives with the belief that one day future generations would discover who they were, what they valued, and what they hoped America would become. Today, we celebrate their vision.
Their gift reminds us that history is not only about remembering the past; it is about leaving something meaningful for those who come after us. Now it is our turn. As part of America’s 250th anniversary, we have created a new time capsule that captures the story of our community today. Inside will be artifacts from our past and present, along with our hopes, dreams, and predictions for the future. Like those who came before us, we do not know what the next fifty years will bring. But we do know that every generation has a responsibility to preserve its history and protect the blessings of liberty for the next.
In just a few moments, we will, in ceremony, bury the key to this time capsule; a simple act that represents something much greater. It is a promise. A promise that this capsule will remain sealed until 2076, when our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gather here to celebrate America’s Tricentennial and discover the story we have left for them.
This fall, another symbol of that promise will take root right here as we plant a tree. Like our nation, it will begin small but, with time, grow stronger with each passing year. Long after we are gone, its roots will deepen, its branches will spread, and it will stand as a living reminder that great things grow when planted with faith, patience, and hope.
The strength of America has always been found in communities like ours: in neighbors who care for one another, families who pass down traditions, volunteers who preserve our history, and citizens who believe they can leave the world a little better than they found it.
May those who stand here in 2076 see not only the artifacts we preserved, but also the values we cherished: freedom, service, community, and an enduring faith in the future. May they know that in 2026, the people of Parma and Hilton believed America was worth celebrating, worth preserving, and always worth believing in. God bless the Town of Parma, the Village of Hilton, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.”
The Time Capsule itself, handcrafted by President Jeri Pickett, is in the Parma Hilton Historical Museum, and the community can add to it until the end of the year, when it will be locked. The Museum is open on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. until Thanksgiving. Call 585-392-9496 to arrange a drop-off outside of those hours.
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