In 1976, during the United States’ bicentennial celebrations, the cities of Kalona and Wellman buried time capsules to be opened 50 years later. In 2026, it’s finally time to open them.

The Kalona time capsule can be found under a marked rock near the flagpole at City Park. Over in Wellman, the time capsule is above ground, inurned in a stone monument located near the North Park entrance. 

The City of Kalona currently has tentative plans to open its capsule during this year’s Kalona Days celebrations, and have instructions to bury a new 50-year time capsule. The items inside will give a look back to a specific moment and time, and will allow today’s Kalona residents to see what was most important to Kalona residents in 1976.

The City of Wellman is currently working with the town’s historical society to decide on a date, and have not decided whether they will be burying a new one as well.

Another time capsule, also buried in 1976, is located in Central Park in Washington. However, that capsule is not set to be opened until July 4, 2076, on the 300th birthday of the United States.