Mystery 1976 Time Capsule To Be Unearthed in Pennsylvania

The capsule will be opened as part of celebrations for the 175th anniversary of the historic borough of Waymart.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 50-year-old time capsule buried in Waymart, Pennsylvania during the borough's 125th anniversary in 1976 is set to be opened as part of celebrations marking Waymart's 175th anniversary in 2026. The capsule will be opened by the Waymart Area Historical Society, though its exact location must first be determined using treasure hunters and a seismic echo machine.

Why it matters

The opening of the time capsule is expected to be a highlight of Waymart's anniversary celebrations, which also coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States. As one of the original 13 American colonies, Pennsylvania played a key role in the country's founding and early history.

The details

The time capsule was originally buried next to the current borough offices, in front of the present D&H Gravity Railroad Depot Museum. It was later moved when underground utility lines were installed during a 2006 project to rehabilitate the depot museum. The cement, casket-like box contained notes, photos, and small objects contributed by community members, including a photo and written account from the first woman elected to the borough council.

  • The time capsule was buried in 1976 during Waymart's 125th anniversary celebration.
  • The capsule was later moved in 2006 when underground utility lines were installed.
  • Waymart will celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2026, which also coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The players

Shana Delaney

A borough councilor who chairs the Parks and Recreation Committee and has been spearheading the celebration plans.

Jane Varcoe

The president emeritus of the Waymart Area Historical Society, who has served on borough council since 1974 and placed her own photo and a written account of her life inside the time capsule.

Waymart Area Historical Society

The organization that will be responsible for opening the time capsule.

Waymart Bicentennial Committee

The committee that originally decided to bury the time capsule in 1976 when the D&H Gravity Railroad Depot Museum was being used as the borough's garage.

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

The organization that required the underground utility lines to be buried during the 2006 project to rehabilitate the depot museum.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Waymart Area Historical Society will search for the time capsule in the spring using treasure hunters and a seismic echo machine.

The takeaway

The opening of the 1976 time capsule in Waymart, Pennsylvania will be a significant event, not only for the borough's 175th anniversary celebrations, but also for the broader history of the state and the United States as a whole.