Covington, Kentucky is preparing to install a time capsule at the Covington Central Riverfront neighborhood this May. The capsule, which will be opened in 2075, offers residents an opportunity to submit items that reflect life in Covington in 2025.
The "Fill a Time Capsule" event is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, outside the Latonia Branch of the Kenton County Public Library. Tom West, Covington Economic Development Director, expressed enthusiasm for community involvement: “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.”
The City has partnered with the Kenton County Public Library and LINK nky media for this initiative. The event will be hosted by former WCPO anchor Evan Millward and described as “a mashup of the PBS Antiques Roadshow and speed dating,” according to West.
Norse Media students from Northern Kentucky University will record short video explanations from participants about their submissions. Lacy Starling, president and CEO of LINK nky, noted: "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.”
Although space is limited within the capsule (20 inches by 16.2 inches by 16 inches), all submitted items will be represented through these video pitches stored on a flash drive inside the capsule.
Dave Schroeder, executive director of Kenton County Public Library, emphasized the cultural significance: “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.”
Angela Washington, First Lady of Covington and wife of Mayor Ron Washington, along with library staff from Local History and Genealogy Department will help curate selected items for inclusion. Washington shared her excitement: “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!”
Final selections for inclusion must be made by April 30. The dedication ceremony for the time capsule is set for Tuesday, May 13 at Russell Street and Stewart Alley during which Authenti-CITY and Historic Preservation Awards will also be presented.
Tom West concluded with hopes that future generations find value in their efforts: “In 50 years we don’t want this to be like Geraldo Rivera opening Al Capone’s vault: empty! We want The Cov to come forward with all kinds of things they think will interest people in the future.”