The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners invites the public to attend a special free public Time Capsule Unveiling on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. on the Patterson Street side of the Historic Lowndes County Courthouse, 100 East Central Ave., Valdosta, Georgia. 

Fifty years ago, the citizens of our community buried a time capsule to commemorate Lowndes County's 150th anniversary and America's Bicentennial. Now, as our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, the community will gather to uncover this piece of local history and discover what the citizens of 1976 hoped future generations would remember.

The capsule is believed to contain commemorative collectibles, photographs, documents, and other items that capture life in Lowndes County during America’s 200^th birthday year in 1976. The unveiling offers a rare opportunity to look back in time and experience history through the eyes of those who came before us.

"This is a unique opportunity to connect with our community's past while celebrating a major milestone in our nation's history," said Chairman Bill Slaughter. "As America marks 250 years of independence, we'll have the chance to see what the people of 1976 chose to preserve and share with the future."

Following the unveiling, the contents of the time capsule will be permanently displayed in the Historic Lowndes County Courthouse, where residents and visitors can enjoy this remarkable collection of local history for years to come.

The Historic Lowndes County Courthouse is open for tours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00-11:00 a.m. or 2:00-4:00 p.m. To schedule a tour outside of these hours or a group tour, contact Jessica Ganas at jessica.ganas@lowndescounty.com

The time capsule unveiling is one of several events taking place throughout Lowndes County as communities celebrate America’s 250^th birthday and Independence Day.

On Saturday, June 27, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., the City of Hahira will hold its Independence Day Celebration in Downtown Hahira at 220 West Main Street, featuring vendors, live music, a pie bake-off, a motorcycle parade, and a fireworks display beginning after dark, around 9:00 p.m. 

On Friday, July 3, residents and visitors are invited to attend the Summer Celebration at Unity Park beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event will feature the 250^th Anniversary of American Independence Concert performed by the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, followed by a patriotic drone show. The event is presented by the City of Valdosta and the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.

On Saturday, July 4, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority will host South Georgia’s largest fireworks display during its annual Fireworks Spectacular. The free show will begin at nightfall, approximately 9:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to watch from the mall side of Interstate 75 between Exit 16 and 18 and look west toward Brooks County. 

The City of Lake Park will also host its annual July 4 celebration on Saturday, July 4, featuring vendors and family activities beginning at 5 p.m., a Golf Cart Parade at 6:00 p.m., and a Laser Light Show at 9:00 p.m.

Time Capsule Unveiling Event Details
Thursday, July 2, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Historic Lowndes County Courthouse (Patterson Street Side)
Free and Open to the Public

Join us as we unveil our history and discover what the citizens of 1976 left behind for the future.