Upshur County Time Capsule Buried for Future Generations as Part of America250 Celebration

BUCKHANNON, WV: The City of Buckhannon and the Upshur County Commission have officially contributed to the statewide America250 initiative by burying a community time capsule, a project made possible by Governor Patrick Morrissey and Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby, who provided each West Virginia county with a capsule to preserve a snapshot of life in 2026.

On behalf of the Upshur County Commission, county officials coordinated a broad community effort to gather meaningful items that reflect the people, places, and stories that define Upshur County today. The time capsule includes letters from local elected officials—among them the Mayor and City Recorder of Buckhannon—as well as memorabilia and keepsakes from the City of Buckhannon, the Upshur County Visitors Bureau, County Clerk’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Circuit Clerk’s Office, West Virginia Wesleyan College, the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, WAMSB, Ralston Press, Falling Rock Post Card Co., local businesses, and numerous community organizations.

Also included are photographs by Joey Baxa and Joe Hughes; images documenting the John C. Allen Regional Hub property donation and AMLER funding announcement; materials highlighting West Virginia’s Healthy Living initiative; postcards, maps, newspapers; and other items capturing daily life in Upshur County in 2026.

The time capsule was buried at the historic Pringle Tree site and is marked to be opened in 50 years. Upshur Monuments generously donated the commemorative stone marker that now stands at the site.

The response from the community was overwhelming—so much that contributions were sufficient to fill a second capsule. “We hope future generations enjoy this glimpse into who we were in 2026 and the pride we have in our community,” the Commission shared.  The City of Buckhannon added, “Fifty years from now, when this capsule is opened, we hope the people of 2076 will see not only what we created, but how deeply we cared for our community and for one another.”

Upshur County Commissioners Kristie Tenney, Sam Nolte, and Doug Bush were honored to mark this occasion alongside County Administrator Tabatha Perry, Administrative Assistant Cindy Hughes, Buckhannon City Recorder Randy Sanders, Cadence Ringer of the Upshur County Visitors Bureau, Amanda Hayes of West Virginia Wesleyan College, and other residents who attended. The Commission extends its sincere appreciation to all who contributed keepsakes and helped preserve this piece of Upshur County history.

A special note of gratitude is extended to Cindy Hughes for her dedication and contributions to this project during her final week with Upshur County.