Contributed WHAT'S INSIDE? — Members of the Richmond Community Historical Society will be opening a time capsule established in 1976 during the country's bicentennial as a highlight of the Richmond Lions Club's free community picnic on June 28 in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary. The picnic runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Richmond Park. Historical society members standing in front of the time capsule are, from left, Marge Andres, vice president; John Jones, president; Wendy Byers, treasurer; and Sandy Judy, secretary.

RICHMOND — The Richmond Lions Club, in partnership with the Richmond Community Historical Society, invites the community to attend a free community picnic set for June 28 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Richmond Park, 210 S. Park St., Richmond.

This family-friendly event in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary will bring together residents and visitors for an afternoon of food, fun and local history. Complimentary food and beverages will be available while supplies last, and children can enjoy inflatable attractions throughout the event.

A highlight of the afternoon will be the opening of a time capsule established in 1976 during the country’s bicentennial observance by the Richmond Community Historical Society. Community members will have the opportunity to see items preserved from 50 years ago and reflect on Richmond’s history and heritage.

The event will also feature a special dedication ceremony honoring the late Kenny McConnell, a longtime member of the Richmond Lions Club. The club will dedicate a grill in his honor, recognizing his years of service and commitment to the organization and the community.

“We are excited to bring the community together for an afternoon of fellowship, fun and remembrance,” said Adam Richardson, Richmond Lions Club president. “This event celebrates both our community’s past and the people who have helped make Richmond a great place to live.”

The time capsule was created in 1976 when John Jones, then president of the historical society, was a senior at Jefferson Union High School. It is a chest filled with a variety of items dedicated to the memory of town historian Don Thompson.

The opening of the time capsule also coincides with the 200th anniversary of the Crew House on Main Street in Richmond, home to the historical society’s museum. The museum is holding summer open houses, with the next scheduled for Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Future open house dates are July 12 and 26, also from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

“I was a senior in high school, but I don’t really remember much of anything other than some of the people involved in it,” Jones said of the time capsule, citing the late Mary B. Dye as an example. Thompson, he said, “was always the go-to history guy in our town.”

“We will open the time capsule and go through everything and try to explain as much as we can,” Jones said. “We will also talk about the rededication happening on Quaker Day Sept. 26. We will rededicate it at that point and use the same chest, and we will fill it with items.”

The historical society will decide what to include in the new time capsule between now and the annual festival as a historical gesture marking the nation’s semiquincentennial. The new time capsule will be opened in 2076.

The time capsule contents will be discussed when the historical society holds its next meeting at the Crew House on July 21 at 7 p.m.

The historical society will have a table of items for purchase at the community picnic, including Richmond crocks for $25, Richmond mugs for $12, Richmond history books for $10 and new Richmond Crew House, 1826-2026 badges for a donation.

The community picnic is open to everyone, and all are encouraged to attend.

For information, contact the Richmond Lions Club or the Richmond Community Historical Society.