Time Capsule Captures Dublin's Creative Spirit for Future Generations

As part of America's 250th Anniversary celebration, the Dublin Arts Collective joins the City of Dublin in preserving the creativity, culture, and community spirit of 2026 for residents who will open the capsule in 2076.

Twenty-four years after Dublin buried its first modern time capsule beneath the Civic Center Library, the city is once again preserving a snapshot of community life—this time as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

On Saturday, July 4, residents, civic leaders, artists, and community organizations gathered at the Dublin Sports Grounds during the Red, White and Blue Backyard Bash for the ceremonial sealing of Dublin's 2026 Time Capsule, a gift to the community members who will open it in 2076.

The preceding 2002 time capsule, scheduled to be opened in 2052, captured everyday life at the beginning of the 21st century with photographs, menus, calendars, memorabilia, currency from Dublin's Irish sister city, and stories written by local schoolchildren. City leaders also took care to ensure the capsule would not be forgotten, registering its location and documenting its contents so future generations could rediscover it.

To register a city time capsule internationally, the project's details are submitted to the International Time Capsule Registry (maintained by the International Time Capsule Society and the NotForgotten Digital Preservation Library). This free, globally recognized service catalogues the capsule to prevent it from being lost.

This year's project continues that tradition while embracing the remarkable evolution of Dublin over the past quarter century. What makes it different is that this time capsule is not intended for burial but will instead be stored in a glass case at City Hall – a bit like sleeping beauty.

About thirty organizations participated in the project by each submitting a 3" x 3" x 10" caplet containing items to send a message to 2076. Among the contributions is a unique collection from the Dublin Arts Collective (DAC), highlighting the role of the visual arts in building community, celebrating diversity, and documenting the city's cultural identity. The capsule also includes a July 4, 2026 copy of the East Bay Times, SF Chronicle, NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and Mercury.

The DAC contribution includes a series of original Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) created by local artists, a collaborative letter to the future, and a commemorative video showcasing Dublin's public art and creative community.

One of the DAC artists, Ruuchi Mishra, commented “It was an interesting concept that challenged imagination in many ways. And I love challenges! After pondering for days I prepared my ATCs and submitted to the DAC Board and I learned my ATCs are selected to be part of the time capsule. Very Exciting!”

The video follows DAC Board Members, on a journey through the city's artistic landscape.

Beginning at City Hall beside Gaia by Ned Smyth—the future home of the Dublin Arts Center—the tour travels through East Dublin's rolling hills, stopping at Elatus by Heath Satow at Fallon Sports Park, Conversation by Barbara Grygutis at Dublin Sports Grounds, and Crossroads by Steven Whyte at the new Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing. The journey also highlights two Little Free Libraries transformed into colorful public art by Ranjini Venkatachari and May Yin Giang.

The video celebrates the many partnerships that have strengthened Dublin's arts community, including exhibitions and artist meet-ups hosted in collaboration with KeyPoint Credit Union, the Alameda County Library, and The Frame Company & Art Gallery, owned by former DAC President and Alameda County Arts Commissioner Sawsan Wolski, which has become a welcoming home for local artists.

It also captures community traditions leading into Dublin's annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations, including the Volunteer Recognition Event and the Shamrock Gala hosted by the Dublin Historical Society, before concluding at Dublin Heritage Park & Museums with The Junction by Brian Keith and Ripples of Time by Adan Romo.

For the Dublin Arts Collective, the project is about more than preserving artwork. It is about preserving the values of creativity, volunteerism, cultural connection, and community spirit that define Dublin today.

"Art tells the story of a community in ways words alone cannot," said DAC President Vanessa Thomas. "Our hope is that when residents open this time capsule fifty years from now, they'll see not only what Dublin looked like in 2026, but also how the arts helped connect people, celebrate cultures, and create a sense of belonging."

As Dublin continues to grow, the 2026 Time Capsule offers a rare opportunity to pause and reflect. It captures a city that values its open spaces, public art, thriving cultural organizations, and the countless volunteers who help make Dublin a vibrant place to live, work and raise a family.

Fifty years from now, when the capsule is opened, today's everyday moments will become history. Through photographs, artwork, stories, and shared memories, future generations will discover not only what Dublin was—but who its people were and what they hoped would endure.