The original 1976 McClure Bicentennial Time Capsule will be excavated at 3 p.m. June 20 at McClure Station Park. The capsule was buried during the United States Bicentennial celebration and has remained sealed for nearly 50 years.

Organizers expect the event to draw longtime residents and younger generations interested in discovering the photographs, newspapers, letters and other memorabilia preserved inside. The excavation will be streamed live on the McClure Time Capsule Facebook page for those unable to attend in person.

Following the excavation, the capsule will be transported to the McClure American Legion, where volunteers and community members will open it and begin cataloging its contents. Organizers said the effort will help preserve the history and stories associated with each item while providing a glimpse into life in McClure during the 1970s.

The recovered items will be displayed from 9 to 11 a.m. July 18 at the McClure American Legion, 36 Ohio St., McClure. A ceremony will follow at 11 a.m.

In addition to celebrating the past, organizers are planning a new McClure time capsule to be buried for future generations to open during the nation’s tricentennial celebration in 2076. Community members are invited to contribute items representing life in McClure and the United States today. Donations may be dropped off at the McClure Library and the McClure branch of MCS Bank.

Organizers say the project is intended to connect generations while preserving local history as the nation marks the America250 celebration.