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Fifty years from now, residents of Covington, Kentucky will gather to open a time capsule at the Covington Central Riverfront neighborhood. This capsule is set to be installed in May within the wall of a new promenade on Russell Street.
The city has invited its citizens to contribute items for this time capsule during an event scheduled for Saturday, April 12, in front of the Latonia Branch of the Kenton County Public Library. "We want to offer every resident, business, and organization in Covington the opportunity to let future generations know what life was like in The Cov in 2025," stated Tom West, Economic Development Director for Covington.
The city is collaborating with the Kenton County Public Library and LINK nky media for this event. West describes it as "a mashup of the PBS Antiques Roadshow and speed dating," with Evan Millward, a former WCPO anchor, hosting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Norse Media students from Northern Kentucky University have been asked by LINK nky to record videos of residents explaining why their items should be included. "Our job is to tell the story of the Northern Kentucky community, and this will be a really fun way to preserve those stories for future generations,” said Lacy Starling, president and CEO of LINK nky.
Given that not all items can fit into the time capsule due to its size (20 inches by 16.2 inches by 16 inches), these videos will be edited into a file stored on a flash drive inside the capsule. Dave Schroeder, executive director of Kenton County Public Library expressed pride in being part of this project: “This time capsule will not only provide a snapshot of Covington in 2025 but will also highlight the rich culture and innovation of the community’s people - the heart and soul of Covington.”
Selected items from submissions will be curated by Schroeder along with library staff and Angela Washington, wife of Mayor Ron Washington. Washington commented on her involvement: “I am excited to assist with putting the time capsule together... It’s so thrilling to think about residents 50 years from now opening the time capsule and literally touching our generation!”
Finalization for inclusion in the time capsule is set for April 30 ahead of its dedication ceremony on Tuesday, May 13 at Russell Street and Stewart Alley at Covington Central Riverfront following annual awards presentations by City officials.
"In 50 years we don’t want this to be like Geraldo Rivera opening Al Capone’s vault: empty!" remarked West encouragingly.
