A historic safe dating to 1878 will serve as the time capsule at the Placer County Museum. It will remain sealed until 2101. Photo designed by Magnific

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - As part of its 175th anniversary celebration, Placer County will recognize its past and present Saturday, Oct. 10, sealing a commemorative time capsule that will remain untouched for the next 75 years.

The community is invited to join county staff and local officials to celebrate this occasion, beginning at noon at the Historic Auburn Courthouse. A historic safe dating to 1878 will serve as the time capsule at the Placer County Museum. It will remain sealed until 2101 when it will be opened as part of Placer County’s 250th anniversary.

The contents of the capsule will offer future generations a glimpse into what life was like in Placer County in 2026. County staff are currently gathering artifacts to be included, such as newspapers, photographs, coins and promotional souvenirs.

“For 175 years, Placer County has been shaped by the people, places and moments that came before us,” said Museums Administrator Bryanna Ryan. “This time capsule gives us an opportunity to preserve a piece of today for the generations who will call Placer County home decades from now. We hope that when it is opened in 2101, it will tell a meaningful story about who we were and what life was like in 2026.”

The ceremonial event will feature speakers from throughout Placer County, followed by a special capsule-closing ceremony. Attendees will then have the opportunity to explore the Historic Auburn Courthouse through guided museum tours led by volunteer docents.

The event will conclude Placer County’s year-long 175th anniversary celebration, which has highlighted the county’s rich history while recognizing the people and communities that continue to shape its future.

Placer County was established April 25, 1851, and has grown from its Gold Rush roots into one of California’s most dynamic counties. As the county closes this milestone anniversary year, the time capsule ceremony will create a lasting connection between the community of today and the generations of tomorrow.

The event will take place at the Historic Auburn Courthouse/Placer County Museum located on 101 Maple Street in Auburn. The event will begin with tours at noon and the ceremony officially begins at 1 p.m.

For more information about the event or previous celebrations, visit Placer County’s 175th anniversary web page: https://www.placer.ca.gov/175.