Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
History was preserved Friday, June 26, as community leaders, elected officials and residents gathered at South Bossier Park to seal and bury the 2026 Bossier Parish Community Time Capsule, creating a lasting record of life in the parish during America’s 250th anniversary year.
The ceremony, hosted by Keep Bossier Beautiful in partnership with the Bossier Parish Police Jury, Keep America Beautiful and Visit Shreveport-Bossier, marked a once-in-a-generation opportunity for residents to leave a message for future generations. The capsule will remain sealed until 2076, when it will be reopened during the nation’s 300th birthday celebration.
The event opened with a welcome from Keep Bossier Beautiful Executive Director Lynn Bryan, followed by an opening prayer by Bossier Parish Police Jury District 12 Juror Keith Sutton. Addalyn Allen performed the National Anthem and led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Community leaders, elected officials and supporters gathered to celebrate the milestone, with proclamations presented by the Bossier Parish Police Jury and the City of Bossier City. Mayor Tommy Chandler joined parish officials in recognizing the importance of preserving Bossier Parish’s history for future generations.
Pam Gras, senior advisor to Speaker of the U.S. House Mike Johnson, and Bossier Parish Library Historian Pam Carter Carlisle also shared remarks highlighting the significance of documenting local history during America’s semiquincentennial celebration.
One of the ceremony’s highlights was the presentation of student artwork and the collection of artifacts submitted by residents throughout the parish. The time capsule includes letters, photographs, children’s artwork, recipes, poems, school essays and other keepsakes that reflect daily life, family traditions and community pride in 2026.
Earlier this month, Keep Bossier Beautiful invited residents of all ages to participate by submitting items that would provide future generations with a glimpse into what life was like in Bossier Parish during this historic year.
“We have a unique opportunity to tell future generations what life was like in Bossier Parish during this historic moment,” said Lynn Bryan, executive director of Keep Bossier Beautiful. “Every letter, photograph and memory submitted will help create a lasting record of our community in 2026.”
During the ceremony, a guest book signed by attendees was placed inside the capsule before Gary Knippers and Scott Lawson secured it. Keep Bossier Beautiful President Randy Brown then placed the capsule into the monument, and Dennis Norris completed the ceremony by permanently sealing it.
Organizers said the project not only commemorates America’s 250th anniversary but also celebrates the people, traditions and stories that make Bossier Parish unique.
When the capsule is reopened in 2076, future residents will have the opportunity to discover firsthand how the community lived, celebrated and looked toward the future during one of the nation’s most historic milestones.
