West Milford buries America250 time capsule at Wallisch Homestead
West Milford. West Milford officials and community members gathered July 1 at the Wallisch Homestead to bury an America250 time capsule containing local artifacts that will be opened in 2076 during the nation’s tricentennial.
Township /
| 06 Jul 2026 | 04:40
Attendees pose in front of the America250 Time Capsule plot, which will be reopened in 2076. (
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Items are prepared for insertion into the time capsule by Wallisch Homestead Treasurer Susan Lynch, left, and West Milford Community Services and Recreation Department Director Daniel Kochakji (
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West Milford Community Services and Recreation Department Director Daniel Kochakji, left, and Mayor Michele Dale shovel soil atop the time capsule. (
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In attendance for the America250 Time Capsule ceremony were, left, Rudy Hass, Councilman and Commander of the West Milford VFW Post 7198, and John Trojanowski. (
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Fifty years from now in 2076, West Milford residents will unearth the America250 Time Capsule with some 30 artifacts that was buried at the Wallisch Homestead in the presence of Township officials, including Mayor Michele Dale, Councilman Rudy Hass, and community members on Wednesday, July 1.
“Today, we are placing more than just objects into this time capsule,” said Daniel Kochakji, West Milford Community Services and Recreation Department Director. “We are preserving a piece of our history.”
Over the past several months, the Township Recreation Department has collected items from among West Milford civic groups, sports teams, community partners, government, and committees for inclusion in the time capsule.
“The items in the capsule provide a snapshot of who we are as a community as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence,” Kochakji said. “They reflect our values, our traditions, and the people who make West Milford such as special place to call home.”
In addition to items on display that would be inserted into the time capsule, the ceremony featured the singing of the National Anthem of the United States and reading of the Declaration of Independence. An inscribed bronze plaque stands before the burial site at the front of the Wallisch Homestead.
“We are deeply honored that the Wallisch Homestead was chosen as the location for this momentous occasion. For us, this choice validates our tireless endeavors in preservation and confirms the vital role this land plays in our town’s story,” said Susan Lynch, organization’s Treasurer.
Lynch noted that, in addition to land use, Wallisch contributed a piece of original wood siding and nails from the early 1800s, salvaged from the red timber barn preserved recently.
“When the capsule is opened in 50 years, these (Wallisch) artifacts will be roughly 275 years old, making them nearly as old as our country itself on its 300th birthday,” she said.
During his remarks, Kochakji thanked the Wallisch Homestead and the organizations and groups that supported the time capsule initiative as well as the Township Department of Public Works that assisted with preparing the site, providing shovels and supplying backfill.
Kochakji also offered a message to those who open the time capsule in 2076.
“During America’s Tricentennial celebrating marking 300 years of independence, greetings from 2026,” he said. “We hope you are standing in this very spot, reflecting on our community’s past while celebrating its future.
“May these items offer you a glimpse into our lives, inspire you to appreciate your own moment in history, and remind you that every generation plays a part in shaping the next.”
