The Ross Township Historical Society is putting together a time capsule, and seeks letters, pictures and other items from community members.

“We are looking for people to go through memories of life in this area and submit things like mementos, artifacts, newspapers, pictures or anything else that is not bulky,” said Ken Giardina, treasurer and one of the historical society’s founding members.

The idea for a memory box occurred to the group during the COVID pandemic.

“I wrote a letter about the pandemic, and how we all had to wear face masks, and there was an overall feeling of isolation,” he said. “I put this letter and some other items into the box.”

Giardina built the pine wood box, which has an engraving on the front.

The historical society is collecting these items through December 2025.

“All these items will be put into the box. We will seal it and find a spot to store it. No one will touch it until 2075. No one knows what this place will be like in 50 years,” he said.

Anyone interested in donating items may bring them to the Ross Township Historical Society Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. The museum is open to the public during at this time, and admission is free.

Items may also be mailed to Ross Township Historical Society, c/o Ken Giardina, 136 Franklin Ave., Saylorsburg, PA 18353.

The historical society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month inside the museum, which is located next door to the Ross Township municipal building, 250 Anchorage Road, Saylorsburg.

“I enjoy being part of the historical society. It helps me meet people and stay active in the community. I have matted photos and made frames for items that hang in the museum. Anything that is old and has history is of interest to me,” Giardina said, as he showed a framed deed from May 7, 1803.

The deed was handwritten in cursive, and there was a cut going across the top. The way to authenticate deeds back then was to make two at the same time and cut each the same way.