Braceville residents fill time capsule

BRACEVILLE -- Township residents gathered at the safety service complex Sunday afternoon to take part in an event that will bridge generations: the filling of a community time capsule set to be opened in 2076 when America celebrates its tricentennial.

Residents were encouraged to be part of history at the Braceville America250 grand finale celebration, which was part of the America250-Ohio celebration. Michael Dylan Brennan, the America250-Ohio Commission Ambassador, discussed the history of Braceville in a talk to attendees.

Brennan, a former University Heights mayor, said he also visited celebrations in the Cleveland area.

"We are celebrating all Ohio history because it is critical to the formation and direction of the United States as a country," Brennan said.

Terry Shavers, project manager of the Braceville African American Heritage Museum, had clips of activities the township has done this year.

Braceville Historical Society President Janice Powell Kistler was at the entrance of the event accepting contributed items for the time capsule.

"My son, Ryan Kistler, is a seventh-grade teacher at LaBrae. He had his students write and submit things such as what they are doing now, what they watch on TV and their favorite show for the time capsule. The time capsule is already half full," Kistler said.

Attendees were invited to contribute items that represent life in 2026. Contributed items included letters, local artifacts, keepsakes, photos, artwork, newspapers, a pair of glasses from the 2024 eclipse, and stories, all meant to be remembered by future generations.

Special archival paper was available before and during the event at the Braceville Fire Department for residents who wished to write their memoirs. It was recommended that those writing stories or messages use either a No. 2 pencil or archival ink for longevity.

Braceville Township Trustee Dennis Kuchta contributed high school athletic and band letters. Kuchta is a 1969 graduate of Braceville High School and the last year for the high school was 1970, after which students began attending LaBrae High School.

Janine Parker, a lifelong Braceville resident, contributed a 1970 Braceville Bees Yearbook and a photo album from Braceville United Methodist Church.

Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Anthony Campano roasted hot dogs for attendees. There were food trucks and vendors selling items such as mugs, cups, jewelry, keychains and bookmarks. Puppeteer Gary Honeywood performed a puppet show with his sock puppets. Boy Scouts from Troop 8 of Leavittsburg assisted with children's activities. A 50/50 raffle was hosted by the Braceville Volunteer Fire Department.

Beth Kotwis Carmichael, chief executive officer of Trumbull County Tourism, spoke to attendees.

"It is always meaningful to me to gather in a community like Braceville that understands its history, celebrates its people, and takes pride in places that make Trumbull County feel like home. Today is not just the closing of a year of events, it is also a reminder that 250 years is not one single story. It is in generations of families, farms, schools, churches, businesses, volunteers, leaders and neighbors who all helped shape Braceville into the community it is today," she said.