Pender County officials, community members, businesses, and local organizations gathered in downtown Burgaw to celebrate the county’s 150th anniversary with the burial of its first official time capsule beside the newly installed courthouse clock.

The collection holds more than 250 items that represent the county’s culture and community in 2025. Contributions came from schools, municipalities, health facilities, businesses, media outlets, and civic organizations, all helping to preserve the story of Pender County for future generations.

It will be opened in 2075, when Pender County celebrates its 200th anniversary and the United States marks its 300th anniversary.

“Today, we’re creating a bridge between the Pender County of 2025 and the one that will exist fifty years from now. Inside this capsule are letters, photos, and keepsakes that capture the character and spirit of our community, who we are, what we value, and how far we’ve come in 150 years,” said Chairman W. Randy Burton.

The ceremony served as both a celebration of Pender County’s past and a look toward its future. “As we prepare to seal the capsule, we reflect on 150 years of progress, perseverance, and community spirit that brought us to this day—and look ahead with optimism to what the next 150 years will hold,” Burton added.

 World Powerlifting Champion Desmond Jordan helped us out and took 
a moment for a quick photo opportunity with the time capsule.