The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
In a ceremony held on January 13, the Hancock County Historical Society dedicated and sealed a specially crafted time capsule at the Kibbe Museum in Carthage, capturing the spirit of the county’s 200th anniversary celebrations from the previous year.
The event marked the culmination of a year-long bicentennial observance that began exactly one year earlier on January 13, 2025, the official 200th anniversary of Hancock County’s founding by an act of the Illinois General Assembly in 1825.
The time capsule, handmade from white oak, Illinois’ official state tree, was generously manufactured and donated by local craftsman Dalton Bruns, owner of Tri-State Moulding and Millworks in Quincy.
Its design stands out for its traditional Knapp corners, a classic joinery technique that enhances both durability and aesthetic appeal, along with a self-locking lid that ensures the contents remain secure over the decades.
Rather than being buried, the capsule will be carefully preserved at the Kibbe Museum for opening in 2075, allowing future residents to connect directly with life in Hancock County a half-century after its bicentennial.
Inside the capsule lies a rich collection of artifacts and documents that together paint a vivid picture of Hancock County in 2025.
Among the highlights are the official Hancock County Bicentennial coin and ornament, additional commemorative coins, local newspapers chronicling the year’s events, the bicentennial flyer distributed during festivities, award-winning entries from school contests that engaged young residents in reflecting on their community’s heritage, and numerous other articles and mementos contributed by citizens.
The Hancock County Historical Society expressed hope that those who participated in the 2025 celebrations, and who may still be present for the capsule’s opening in 2075, will share their voices and recollections. These personal stories could further enrich the time capsule’s legacy, turning it into a living bridge between generations.
As the capsule now rests safely in the Kibbe Museum, it serves as a powerful reminder of community resilience, creativity, and connection. In 50 years, when the lid is once again opened, it will inviting future Hancock Countians to celebrate not only the county’s 250th anniversary but also the enduring spirit of those who marked its 200th with such enthusiasm.
On the left is Dalton Bruns, Owner of Tri-State Moulding and Millworks and on the right is Keith Bruns, President of the Hancock County Historical Society.