Time Capsules
What did Johnson County look like years ago? The county has preserved artifacts for future generations by storing them in time capsules. County staff discovered a time capsule from 1951 and are preparing a new time capsule to be opened at a later date.
The contents of these time capsules strive to reflect the times in which they were prepared. From historical documents and programs to popular trends and technology, these items offer a glimpse of how Johnson County has changed and evolved over the years.
Upcoming Time Capsule
Johnson County is accepting suggestions for items to include in an upcoming time capsule.
Using the online form below, please include suggestions of no more than three items to put in the new time capsule, and briefly explain the reasoning behind them.
You can also mail your suggestions to:
The Best Times
Attention: Time Capsule
111 South Cherry St.
Olathe, KS 66061
Plans for the time capsule and when it’s opened are still in the works. The size of the container is yet to be determined, but it’s likely to be displayed publicly rather than be buried.
1951 Time Capsule
Johnson County revealed the contents of a 71-year-old time capsule at a Board of County Commissioners meeting in 2022.
The time capsule was assembled and stored in the previous Johnson County Courthouse on May 7, 1951. It was discovered in a wall cavity during demolition of the courthouse last year. Contents included:
- 36 sealed envelopes from various municipalities
- A newspaper microfilm reel
- A trial docket dated May 5, 1951
- A program from the 1949 Model Airplane Meet
- A program for the 1948 Old Settlers Day
- A 1950 Olathe phone directory
- Photographs of construction of the former courthouse
Possible public display of the time capsule and its contents are not yet determined, and details will be announced at a later date.