A time capsule from 1897, placed in the cornerstone of Peoria City Hall during construction, will be reopened this weekend.
The capsule recently was removed from the northwest façade of City Hall during repairs. It is believed to contain a variety of items provided by the Peoria community at the time.
A media release crediting an 1897 article from the Peoria Herald says the time capsule may include a city directory, a copy of the city code, photographs, speeches from past mayors, and other historical items.
“Time capsules are more than just containers of artifacts; they are messages from the past, created by the people who lived here centuries ago,” Mayor Rita Ali said in the release.
“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 city will host the public opening Sunday at the Gateway Building near the Peoria Riverfront, marking 128 years since the time capsule’s original placement.
The program scheduled for 2 p.m. will feature representatives of the Peoria Historical Society, Peoria Public Library History Collection, Bradley University Special Collections, and the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
The city is also seeking contributions for a new time capsule that will be sealed at City Hall next year.
