Chamber plans community time capsule for Erwin's 150th anniversary

In celebration of the Town of Erwin's 150th anniversary, the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to take part in a meaningful and historic project—the creation of a community time capsule that will be preserved for the next 50 years. The Town of Erwin Board of Mayor and Alderman officially recognized and supported this initiative through the passage of a resolution at their April 27 meeting, acknowledging the Chamber's leadership in organizing the project and encouraging community-wide participation. The time capsule will serve as a snapshot of life in Erwin in 2026, preserving the stories, memories and artifacts that define the community today. Residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to contribute items that reflect the character, culture and spirit of the town. Community members may submit items to the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce office between now and the "Small Town, Big Picnic" event, scheduled for June 6. Contributions will also be accepted during the event itself. At the conclusion of the celebration, the time capsule will be officially sealed, with plans to bury it the following week. The capsule is intended to be opened in 50 years, offering future generations a unique glimpse into Erwin's past. While the time capsule will be large in size to accommodate this community-wide effort, contributors are encouraged to submit smaller, meaningful items to ensure space for as many participants as possible. Suggested items include letters, photographs and similar keepsakes that capture personal stories and perspectives from this moment in time. "This project is about more than preserving items — it's about telling the story of who we are as a community at this moment in time," Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Delp. "We encourage everyone to take part in this once-in-a-generation opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for the future," Delp added. She noted that the Chamber hopes this initiative will inspire participation from across the community and create a lasting connection between Erwin's rich history and its promising future. For more information about how to contribute to the time capsule, please contact the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce by email at amanda@unicoicounty.org or call (423) 743-3000.