Time Capsule Ceremony Kicks Off Harbor Revitalization

Back in 1966, just as construction of the Dana Point Harbor was getting underway, leaders of County and City government agencies, and civic and community organizations submitted documents, souvenirs, photographs and other artifacts to commemorate a very special moment in Dana Point's history. These "letters to the future" were buried in a cylindrical time capsule placed in an 8 ton rock which sat in the harbor for fifty years. On August 29, 2016, the opened time capsule contents were displayed in an exhibit in the Harbor by Orange County Archives. The celebratory event was attended by over 1,500 people - some of whom presented souvenir "tickets" they received at the rock placing ceremony in 1966.

Those who participated at the start of the Harbor's construction envisioned the new harbor as a major game changer for Dana Point. And indeed, it has been. The Dana Point Harbor, owned by the County of Orange but located within the City of Dana Point, quickly became and still is a well loved gathering place for tens of thousands of visitors and community members each year. They sail, cruise, paddle board, kayak, whale watch, swim, shop, eat and simply stroll and enjoy the vistas at this popular destination formed by bouldered jetties and man made islands in the shadow of the impressive headlands first sighted by Richard Henry Dana in 1835.

Next Monday, October 28th at 3 PM, the community will gather with civic and government leaders to launch a new era and a brand new time capsule. The contents will be organized by Orange County Archives and will be installed in a monument topped by a beautiful clock, which will be unveiled during Monday's ceremony. This special occasion is being presented by Orange County Board of Supervisors' Chairwoman, Lisa Bartlett, in partnership with Dana Point Harbor Partners, LLC, Dana Point Historical Society, OC Parks, the City of Dana Point, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and the Ocean Institute.

Hundreds of community members and leaders will be present to witness this historic occasion, which will also serve as the kick-off celebration for the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project. (https://danapointharbor.com/activities/events/) Under the management of Dana Point Harbor Partners, the harbor is about to undergo a huge transformation with new hotels, commercial and parking structures, updated landscaping and a renovated marina.

The revitalization will be marked by a plethora of documents, photos and memorabilia contributed by over 90 civic and government organizations. These will be placed in the time capsule and retrieved by our kids, grandkids and great grandkids when it is opened in 2069.

What will the "new” harbor look like in 2069? And our coastline and harbor themselves? What unseen forces and events will shape the destiny of Dana Point Harbor?

Come join the fun, Monday October 28, 2019, 3 PM, Dana Point Harbor staging area near El Torito Restaurant, 34521 Golden Lantern, Dana Point 92629.