The Centennial-Bicentennial Time Capsule was originally installed on the southwest corner of the former George W. Hawkes Central Library site in 1976.
Two time capsules originally buried near City Hall are being relocated this summer to Founders Plaza in Downtown Arlington, where they are expected to remain until Arlington’s 200th birthday in 2076.
In 2016, the time capsules were dug up and stored for safekeeping because of downtown construction.
The Centennial-Bicentennial Time Capsule was originally installed on the southwest corner of the former George W. Hawkes Central Library site in 1976 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Arlington and the 200th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The contents of the time capsule are unknown today, but are expected to primarily include items describing life in Arlington in the year 1976. The former library site is now home to the 101 Center mixed-use development, which is set to open this year.
In 2007, the City installed another time capsule filled with videos, maps, fact sheets and brochures, and other items in the City Hall North Plaza as part of the celebration of Arlington's 130th anniversary. That site is part of the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library and City Center plaza, which will be complete next year.
In 2007, the City buried a time capsule in the City Hall North Plaza as part of the celebration of Arlington’s 130th anniversary.
Later this summer, the capsules will be buried in Founders Plaza, which is home to the Levitt Pavilion, just south of City Hall. This location was chosen in consultation with the Arlington Historical Society, the Levitt Pavilion Board of Directors and multiple city departments.
"Founder's Plaza has been selected as the best site to relocate the capsule,"Senior Planner Sarah Stubblefield said. "This site keeps the time capsules within the downtown area near their original locations while making them highly visible to the community."
A state historical marker detailing the history of the City of Arlington was also removed with downtown library construction and will be installed near the entrance to the new Council Chambers.
Preserving History
Are you interested in preserving your own history? Check out these helpful resources:
Arlington Historical Society
Arlington Public Library Genealogy and Local History Office
Texas Historic Commission's Caring for Books & Paper Webinar & Caring for Photographs Webinar
Downtown Arlington
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