Commissioner’s time capsule honors Pike County

Memories can offer more joy than any material purchase can. What better way to capture these precious moments than in a time capsule for our nation’s 250th anniversary?

Matthew Osterberg of the Pike County Commissioners office wanted to gather as many artifacts as he could from the community and seal them into a time capsule to reopen in the year 2076, which recognizes America’s 300th birthday.

Osterberg graduated from Penn State University with a history degree and as a long-time resident of Pike County, he wanted to showcase this monumental year and all the memories made during it as a gift for generations to come.

“I’ve always had a passion for history, particularly local history,” Osterberg said. “I wanted to send a message to the future. I think a time capsule is a great way to do that.”

As one of three commissioners, Osterberg oversees many departments in Pike County, including transportation, law enforcement and human services. Working actively with members of the community every day gives him direct connections to people of all different ages who each have unique stories to share.

Mr. Eric Thiele, who is the Technology Education chairperson in the district, also happens to be Osterberg’s nephew. Osterberg asked Mr. Thiele if he and his students would be able to create the capsule, and Mr. Thiele was more than willing to help. This created a great opportunity to not only bring the capsule to life, but also to bring the youth into the project as well.

“I was more than happy to help out my uncle with this [project],” Mr. Thiele said. “I knew that the kids would be able to get it done, and I was excited that they would be able to showcase their talents.”

This time capsule is different from a traditional one because it won’t be buried. Instead, it is sculpted and carved from wood and looks more like a chest of drawers that opens up at the top, where all the artifacts will be placed inside. It will also include two engraved plaques, one of Pike County and one with a list of names of everyone who worked on the capsule.

The capsule will be on display at the commissioner’s office within the next two months and will be sealed on Dec. 31, bringing this historic year to a close.

“I hope this capsule will bring us all together,” Osterberg said. “It’s a common goal for everyone.”

Commissioner’s time capsule honors Pike County

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