Letters to Our Future was launched by the Cook County Historical Society earlier this year to document community reactions and experiences surrounding major events, preserving local history in real time for future generations. Shortly after launching, the project expanded across the region, inspiring organizations statewide to adopt a similar model.

Now, thanks to a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council and a partnership with the Carlton County Historical Society and Oldenburg Arts and Cultural Community, the project continues to expand with an open Call to Artists for individuals or a group to design and build a physical time capsule to hold these letters.

Join the Cook County Historical Society and the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery on October 24 at 2 p.m. for "Time Travel Through Art and Letters," a kickoff event celebrating this project expansion, the Call to Artists, and our ongoing call for community letter submissions.

The event will include:

• A presentation by CCHS staff, who will share insights into how historical letters in our archives help us research and tell the stories of Cook County.

• A hands-on activity to draft your own letter reflecting on life in 2026 to be included in our public exhibit, historical archives (viewable by request only), or locked in a 20-year time capsule.

• A Call to Artists Q&A for those interested in submitting a proposal for the physical time capsule. ( This portion of the event will be recorded. Questions may be submitted in advance to victoria@cookcountyhistory.org.)

This event is free and open to the public.

To learn more about the project, view artist submission guidelines, or submit a letter, visit: cookcountyhistory.org/letters-to-the-future