Help Us Create Burbank's 2026 Time Capsule!

In 1976, the Burbank Bicentennial Committee built a monument designed to hold four time capsules, with one capsule to be added every 25 years between 1976 and 2076. The first capsule, filled with items representing life in 1976, was intended to begin this tradition.

In 2001, the 1976 time capsule was opened, its contents were displayed, and the capsule was resealed. For reasons unknown, however, a 2001 time capsule was never created. When Burbank Public Library staff recently opened the compartment intended for the 2001 capsule, they discovered it was empty. (The compartments designated for 2051 and 2076 were also empty, as expected.)

Now it's time to continue the tradition and we need your help!

We're creating a new 2026 Time Capsule to capture what life in Burbank is like today. What objects, mementos, or small items do you think best represent our community in 2026?

Please submit your ideas using the form below. The form will be open from July 17 through September 25, 2026. Keep in mind that suggested items should be:

• Small enough to fit inside the time capsule (assume the capsule container will be about 8" wide x 10" long x 8" tall)
• Non-perishable and non-biodegradable so they can be preserved for decades

The new 2026 Time Capsule, along with the restored 1976 Time Capsule, will become part of the future New Central Library & Public Plaza. Until the new library is completed, both capsules will remain safely sealed in storage at Burbank Central Library.

To learn more about the new Burbank Central Library & Public Plaza project, visit www.newburbanklibrary.org.