|
Contact: Stacy Peterson, Strategic Communications Manager
Phone: 309-494-8560
Email: speterson@peoriagov.org
City of Peoria to Open Historic 1897 Time Capsule
Event will be held on November 2; public invited to attend
The City of Peoria is excited to announce the upcoming opening of a time capsule that dates back to the construction of the building. The capsule was placed in the cornerstone on the northwest side of the building on November 2, 1897, and is believed to contain a variety of items from the community. It was recently removed while the façade of the building was being repaired.
According to a Peoria Herald article from 1897, the capsule may include a city directory, a copy of the city code, local newspapers, business cards, photographs, speeches from former mayors, and even a buckeye, among other historical treasures.
“Time capsules are more than just containers of artifacts—they are messages from the past, created by the people who lived here more than a century ago,” said Mayor Rita Ali. “Because this capsule belongs to the people of Peoria, it is only fitting that our community comes together to witness its opening and reflect on how far we’ve come.”
The public is invited to witness the opening of the time capsule on Sunday, November 2, at 2 p.m. at the Gateway Building, 200 NE Water Street. The event will mark the 128th anniversary of its placement. A short program will precede the unveiling, featuring representatives from the Peoria Historical Society, Peoria Public Library Local History Collection, Bradley University Special Collections, and the Peoria Riverfront Museum. The capsule will be displayed on the first floor of Peoria City Hall, 419 Fulton Street, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., until the November 2 opening.
Time capsules hold a special place in preserving local history, offering future generations an authentic snapshot of community life, culture, and values from the past. They connect people across time, inspiring reflection on what has endured and what has changed.
The public is also encouraged to participate in the 2026 Time Capsule Project by visiting Peoria City Hall to fill out a card sharing what they love about Peoria. These cards will be placed in a new time capsule to be sealed in City Hall in 2026.
###
|
