Call for Contributions: Lake Mills/Aztalan Area 2026 Time Capsule
- Robin Lynn
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
Call for Contributions: Lake Mills/Aztalan Area 2026 Time Capsule
Help Us Preserve Life in the Lake Mills/Aztalan Area for Future Generations
As part of the celebration of America's 250th birthday in 2026, the Lake Mills Aztalan Historical Society is creating a Time Capsule to capture what life is like in our area today. The capsule will be sealed in 2026 and on display at the museum site and opened 25 years later, allowing future residents to discover how we lived, worked, learned, celebrated, and connected in this moment in history.
We invite individuals, families, schools, businesses, organizations, and community groups to contribute items that tell the story of life in the Lake Mills/Aztalan area in 2026.
What We're Looking For
We welcome items that reflect everyday life, local culture, community pride, technology, and significant events. Examples include:
Letters to future residents describing life in 2026
Photographs of local people, events, businesses, schools, parks, and landmarks
School projects, student artwork, and essays
Local newspapers, newsletters, and community publications
Event programs, posters, and flyers
Menus from local restaurants
Maps of the community
Sports schedules, team photos, and memorabilia
Church, civic, and service club materials
Information about local businesses and industries
Examples of current technology or digital media (subject to space and preservation requirements)
Social media screenshots or examples of online communication
Lists of popular songs, movies, books, and trends
Reflections on national and local events occurring in 2026
Predictions for what the Lake Mills/ Aztalan area and America will be like in 2051
Bicentennial Parade Float in 1976 with the Time Capsule built by Crepaco later filled and placed at the L.D. Fargo Public Library
Suggested Themes
Contributors may wish to document:
Family life
Education
Agriculture and rural life
Business and employment
Recreation and sports
Community traditions
Transportation
Technology and communication
Healthcare
Environmental issues
Local government and civic engagement
Celebrations of America's 250th birthday
Submission Guidelines
Items should be durable and suitable for long-term preservation.
Photographs should be clearly labeled with names, locations, and dates when possible.
Written submissions should include the contributor's name and contact information.
Digital materials may be accepted in approved formats.
Items may be reviewed by the Time Capsule Committee to ensure they fit within available space and preservation requirements.
Why Participate?
The story of a community is told through the lives of its people. By contributing to the Lake Mills/Aztalan Area 2026 Time Capsule, you are helping future generations understand what mattered to us, how we lived, and how our community celebrated this historic milestone—the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Submission Deadline: Sunday, September 27th noon. Time Capsule will be sealed at 4pm the end of our last day of our museum site 2026 season. Contact Robin for drop off or pick up of items.
Aztalan Day, Sunday July 19th 12pm to 4pm we will be collecting items at the museum site during the event.
Questions or Submissions:
Robin Untz, LMAHS President
(920)728-2685
"History is not only made by famous people and major events. It is also made by everyday lives, shared experiences, and community memories. Help us tell the story of Lake Mills/Aztalan in 2026 for those who will open this capsule in 2051."
