Hanford Time Capsule Brings 1976 Memories to Life; Artifacts Now on Display

Memories from 1976 are resurfacing in Hanford with the recent unearthing of a time capsule buried for the nation's bicentennial celebration. The capsule, a 2-foot diameter, 4-foot long cylinder, was sealed in front of the then-newly completed Hanford Police Department.

Inside, approximately 100 artifacts offer a glimpse into Hanford's past. These items include pictures, brochures, letters, cassette tapes, and proclamations, all collected by the bicentennial committee. The capsule was intended to be opened 50 years later, on this year's Fourth of July, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Rob Bentley, president of the Carnegie Museum of Kings County, discovered a particularly personal connection within the capsule's contents. An envelope labeled "Jolly Bunch" immediately brought back childhood memories of his parents' passion for dancing, adding a poignant, individual layer to the historical collection. The capsule's contents are now available for public viewing.

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I saw the envelope that said Jolly Bunch on it, and right away I was, OK, I got to see this