Vancouver to seal time capsule for 100 years as part of the Main Street Promise Project
February 18, 2026
The community is invited to take part in a once-in-a-century moment as the Main Street Promise Time Capsule is placed on Friday, February 20, at 11:00 a.m., at Main Street and West 13th Street in downtown Vancouver. Once closed, the capsule will remain buried until the year 2125.
“The Main Street Promise time capsule is more than a collection of objects. It’s a gift to the Vancouver of 2125,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “The items inside will tell the story of our community and offer future residents a glimpse into who we were, what we valued, and what we hoped for in the years ahead.”
The Vancouver’s Downtown Association has been collecting items from the community that capture personal stories, represent local culture, or illustrate life in Vancouver in 2025. Every item provided will be documented and cataloged to help future citizens make sense of what they uncover.
“Collecting these items has been a reminder of how much pride people have in this place,” said Michae Walker, VDA Executive Director. “I hope they will help future generations understand what mattered to us and how we saw ourselves in this moment.”
The items will be sealed inside a 12-gauge, type 304 stainless steel box measuring 20 inches wide, 16.2 inches tall, and 9 inches deep, engineered to resist corrosion and withstand extreme temperatures from 250 degrees down to negative 40.
Background: Main Street Promise
Main Street Promise is a multi-year project to rebuild and revitalize Vancouver’s historic Main Street from 5th to 15th Street. The work includes reconstructing the street, sidewalks, lighting, and adjacent public spaces to make the corridor safer, more accessible, and more welcoming for residents, businesses, and visitors. The project intends to improve safety, strengthen community connections, and support economic vitality in downtown Vancouver. The project is expected to be completed in 2026. Learn more about Main Street Promise on the City’s website at Main Street Promise -The City of Vancouver, WA.
Media Contacts:
Michael Walker, Executive Director Vancouver’s Downtown Association, director@vdausa.org
Laura Shepard, Director of Communications, City of Vancouver, Laura.Shepard@cityofvancouver.us