On May 31, The Vicksburg Post lifestyles reporter Terri Frazier ran a column searching for folks who were present for the 1976 burial of 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.

Terri’s request was related to her desire to write an article recalling memories of its burial. She and the newspaper have had a handful of folks reach out to share what they recall about the event, but even more pressing have been questions from readers about when and who will be digging up the capsule.

One such question came from Sally Bullard, Vicksburg resident and owner of Main Street Market Cafe. Sally wanted to know who was organizing the event and when it would be held, in hopes that it would not be during the busy lunch hour so she could attend. Her father, Nat Bullard, was mayor of the city of Vicksburg at the time the capsules were buried. We’re sure the rest of the Bullard clan, some of whom live out of town, would also like to plan to be in attendance.

Peggy Fulghum and her daughter were also there in 1976 when the capsules were buried. Her daughter, who lives out of town, would like to be here for the unearthing but needs a date to be able to plan her visit.

Adding to the confusion is a Letter to the Editor published in early May from Bernadette Cahill, who may have been the first Vicksburg resident to remember the time capsule. Her research showed the capsule would be unearthed on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Unfortunately, no one seems to know — city, county and historic society officials can’t say when or where the capsule will be opened or even who is in charge of the event.

Director and Curator at the Old Courthouse Museum Jordan Rushing said he has been getting lots of similar calls.

“If nobody in the community steps up to the plate, I would be happy to volunteer my services,” he said in a phone conversation Tuesday.

Rushing said the museum already has one of the city’s time capsules on display. It was donated to be part of museum archives so Vicksburg residents and visitors alike could enjoy its contents for years to come.

“I hope that the historical society would get (this capsule) as well because there are some neat things in there that pertain to just about everyone in the community,” he said. “It would be nice to have it in a location where the community could access it if they want to, not behind lock and key, but in an open organization that anyone can be a part of.”

We hope the contents of the time capsule will be donated to the museum for Vicksburg and Warren County residents to enjoy for many years to come, and we hope Rushing and his team at the historical society will be given the reigns to put on this event that marks an important milestone in our city and county’s history.