‘This Reporter Wants Your Memories—Before the Time Capsule Beats Me to It’
Published 2:17 pm Saturday, May 31, 2025
Writing a column for the newspaper is very different from writing a news story. In a column, I am allowed to tell my story, give my opinion and well, as most of you know, talk about almost anything I am inclined to share.
That is not the case when it comes to writing a news story. Sure, you might hear my voice/style within the reporting, but in a news story hard facts and quotes from sources are needed. And sometimes, let me tell you, it can be a challenge to find a source willing to go on record.
I don’t think that will be the case for my column ask. The information I am looking for isn’t about any big secret or undercover operation.
If fact, I think the information I am looking for could become a great memory for someone to recall.
In 1976, when the country was celebrating its bicentennial, Vicksburg followed suit and held special events throughout the year, one of which was burying two time capsules.
One of the time capsules is to be opened in 2076 for the United States’ 300th anniversary. A second is to be opened on Vicksburg’s bicentennial, which just happens to be this year.
Therefore, in anticipation of its opening, I would like to write a news story about the time capsule, but I need information.
Obviously, I could scour The Vicksburg Post archives, which I have done, to come up with plenty of newsworthy information. But I wanted to go one step further and talk with someone who was there and remembers when the time capsule was buried and/or folks who recall contributing to it.
Community leaders who led the charge on this project are no longer with us, but 1976 was not all that long ago for some of us.
I dare say how old I was that year!
Anyway, if anyone remembers participating in the time capsule happenings I would love for you to reach out to me. You can email me at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com or call the office and ask for me at 601-636-4545.
And if anyone needs to jog their memory as to whether they were a part of the burial, I am including a picture that ran in The Post on July 6, 1976.
It’s kind of a Let’s Find Waldo moment, but I am sure for those who were there, if you look hard enough you might find your face.
I look forward to hearing from you, and please, don’t delay. I have to get this show on the road. Festivities for the unearthing are drawing nye and like any good reporter I want to be the first with the scoop.