UNION — Two of the highlights of the Sestercentennial will be the unearthing and opening of the Bicentennial time capsule and the filling and burial of the Sestercentennial capsule.

It was 50 years ago when the citizens of Union, led by the Union Historical Society, gathered items that represented both the year 1974 and the heritage of the 200 year old town. The time capsule was buried near the Civil War monument on the Common with the intention that it be retrieved as part of the town’s first milestone anniversary in the 21st century.

During the opening Sestercentennial ceremony, the old capsule, which was built by Robert Heald, will be opened for everyone to have a look at its contents. Some of the items include a 1974 phone book, a light bulb, a blank tax form, and a blueberry cake (or a rake. There is some uncertainty which can only be resolved by opening the capsule!). Afterward, the contents will be on display at the Union Historical Society for the remainder of the celebration weekend.

The new 2024 time capsule, designed and manufactured out of stainless steel by Steel-Pro, is on display now at Union Farm Equipment, who is doing the digging and burying of the time capsules. Donations for the new time capsule are being collected by the Union Historical Society during regular business hours. Citizens are invited to submit items now for consideration. During the closing ceremony the items reflecting life today will be secured into the new capsule, when it will be buried until the Tricentennial celebration in 2074.

Heidi Berry, now of Sudbury, MA, recalls, “I was there when it was buried, and even though I was only five, it was such a distinct memory. I went to the Bicentennial with my grandparents, Frank and Marion Calderwood, who lived on Clarry Hill, and even though they have long since passed, I'm looking forward to bringing my kids to the 250th and I want to be sure not to miss the time capsule opening.”

The opening ceremony is Friday, July 19, at 4 p.m., on the Common, and the closing ceremony will also be there, on Sunday, July 21, at 3 p.m.

For a fully updated schedule of weekend events visit the UHS website https://unionhistoricalsociety.org/ or “Celebrating Union’s 250 Years” Facebook page.

For those interested in volunteering to help with this and other Sestercentennial activities, please contact the Union Sestercentennial Committee at unionme250@gmail.com.