PRESS RELEASE: Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver Introduces Resolution to Preserve Wilmington’s History Through 250th Anniversary Time Capsule
November 6, 2026
Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver Introduces Resolution to Preserve Wilmington’s History Through 250th Anniversary Time Capsule
Time capsule will preserve photographs, documents, and memorabilia from 2026 for future generations and is scheduled to be opened in 2076.
Wilmington, DE – Wilmington City Council Member Zanthia Oliver, who represents the 3rd District, introduced a resolution during City Council’s November 5, 2026, regular meeting to establish a Wilmington 250 Time Capsule commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The initiative seeks to preserve a historical record of Wilmington in 2026 through photographs, documents, personal reflections, and memorabilia contributed by the Office of the Mayor, Wilmington City Council, and various City departments.
The time capsule will capture the people, neighborhoods, milestones, and everyday experiences that define Wilmington during this historic anniversary year.
Third District Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver presents a Resolution Establishing Time Capsule 2026 on November 5, 2026, during Wilmington City Council’s Regular Meeting in Council Chambers. Photo by Yesenia Taveras, Wilmington City Council Director of Communications.
“As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we have an opportunity to preserve a piece of Wilmington’s history for generations who will come after us,” said Councilwoman Oliver. “This time capsule is about more than collecting photographs and keepsakes. It is about preserving the stories of our City, honoring the people who make Wilmington special, and giving future generations an opportunity to understand what life was like in 2026. Fifty years from now, I want our City employees to look back and see the pride, progress, and spirit of our community.”
The resolution builds upon Wilmington’s yearlong semiquincentennial celebration, which included a Citywide Toast, Out & About’s 250th Anniversary Magazine Coverage, the 39th Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, a Fourth of July celebration at the Wilmington Riverfront, and so much more.
The resolution also includes provisions to protect and preserve the time capsule if the facility housing the commemorative wall undergoes renovation, relocation, or redevelopment. An airtight, water-sealed container will be used to preserve the integrity of materials stored in the time capsule. The time capsule would be sealed and displayed alongside the Theodore Blunt Commemorative Wall, with instructions for it to be opened in 2076, marking the 300th anniversary of American independence.
City Employees Invited to Contribute
As part of the initiative, Councilwoman Oliver is encouraging City employees and departments to contribute materials that reflect Wilmington’s history, government operations, community celebrations, and daily life in 2026.
Suggested contributions include photographs of City employees and neighborhoods, commemorative pins, event programs, newspaper articles, restaurant menus, maps, business cards, handwritten reflections, other keepsakes documenting Wilmington’s 250th anniversary, and a letter from Mayor John Carney and President Trippi Congo.
All contributions must be submitted by Monday, November 30, 2026. A time capsule ceremony for City employees is planned for the first week of December in the lobby of the Louis L. Redding City/County Building.
“Wilmington’s history belongs to all of us, and every department and employee has a story worth preserving,” Councilwoman Oliver added. “I encourage our City workforce to participate in this meaningful initiative and help create a lasting record of this moment in our City’s history.”
The Wilmington 250 Time Capsule initiative serves as a lasting tribute to Wilmington’s past, a reflection of its present, and a gift to future generations.
For additional information about suggested contributions, City employees are encouraged to review the accompanying Wilmington 250 Time Capsule flyer.
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MEDIA INQUIRIES:Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications, Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com