A time capsule buried in 1976 beneath a concrete slab outside the Milo Barber Transportation Center was opened Friday—exactly 50 years after it was sealed.
The capsule, marked with the inscription “Here Under Lies the Rapid City Time Capsule, Open 2026 AD,” was created during construction of the bus depot at 333 Sixth Street. Mayor Jason Salamun revealed its contents during a ceremony at City Hall.
The year the capsule was buried carried dual significance: Rapid City was celebrating its 100th anniversary, and the nation was marking the Bicentennial. Salamun said the artifacts provide a unique snapshot of what the community valued at the time.
Inside, crews found a South Dakota map, Chamber of Commerce materials, various metals, and a videotape labeled KOTA.
City officials will now evaluate which items can be conserved and are exploring a partnership with the Journey Museum to help preserve and display the recovered artifacts.
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