Time capsule to be buried during Meredith Old Home Day 2026

MEREDITH — A time capsule will be buried during Meredith Old Home Day on Sept. 19 this year to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country, and to help people imagine the future of Meredith, specifically a day when residents dig it back up.

Aligning with this year’s Old Home Day theme — Honoring yesterday, celebrating today: Meredith 1776-2026 — the time capsule will provide future residents of the town a way to recognize their past.

“As the Meredith 250th Celebration Committee, we are excited to have purchased a time capsule that will be buried at 11 o’clock on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Community Park,” said Chris Kelly, a member of the committee and well-known Meredith community member. “This idea came from Committee Member and Selectboard Member, Jeanie Forrester, who was excited to leave a piece of today for the people of tomorrow. The time capsule will include memorabilia from the sponsors of this year’s 250th Meredith Celebration Committee, a declaration from our governor, a letter from our selectboard, a letter from our 250th committee and other corresponding material. The hope is that 50 years from now on July 4, 2076, this time capsule will be unearthed and the people of Meredith will enjoy some of what we have enjoyed today. We look forward to being a part of this great Old Home Day.”

A coalition of groups in town have come together to work on Old Home Day 2026 with many people and businesses already contributing time and resources. The Town of Meredith is taking the lead organizing role, along with the Meredith Chamber of Commerce, the Shop Main Street group and the Greater Meredith Program.

Local bands, entertainers, craft vendors and nonprofit groups are contributing to the celebrations which will take place on historic Main Street. An egg toss, scavenger hunt and the famous pie-eating contest are planned as well as a climbing wall, a dunk tank — with special guests — and a bouncy house for kids. Rusty McLear will be grand marshal, honoring his significant contribution to Meredith. Heather Bishop will again be the master of ceremonies.

“It’s a fun day out for the whole family and shows how strong our community is,” said Krystal Alpers, director of Meredith Parks and Recreation. “After a long break, the town of Meredith is fully committed to this unique New Hampshire tradition.”

The Old Home Day tradition began in New Hampshire more than 125 years ago as a way to celebrate rural towns as people were lured away to cities and western states. Meredith was established in 1768, eight years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This year’s Old Home Day focuses on the rich history of Meredith from 1776 to the present day, and what comes next.

For more information and updates, visit mereditholdhomeday.com.