In Brentwood, on a day in April 2000, a time capsule was buried on the grounds of the John P. Holt Library to mark the beginning of a new century.
In partnering with the City of Brentwood, the Brentwood Rotary Club placed items of significance in the capsule from the year 2000.
The Rotary Club put a call out to the Brentwood community to donate pieces of current history. The time capsule was a metal box and contained a stuffed animal from Lipscomb Elementary School, newspaper clippings from the year, a copy of People Magazine showcasing Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise’s relationship, a TV guide, and Brentwood’s 2020 Plan.
The stone plaque read “Millennium Time Capsule, placed here in the year 2000, by the Brentwood Morning Rotary Club, and the City of Brentwood, to be opened in the year 2025.”
The unearthing of the capsule took place on a crisp and sunny fall afternoon on October 5, 2025, with Past Rotary President Larry Boyd, Brentwood Mayor Nelson Andrews, and current Rotary President Rob Aurenheimer digging up the dirt.
Not only were Mayor Nelson Andrews, city commissioners, and members of the Rotary Club present, but also curious members of the community.
When digging up the capsule, the outside was, as expected, aged. It was rusty and also water-damaged. The 2010 Williamson County floodwaters had seeped into and corroded parts of the capsule.
Musty and dewy, the box was brought forth from the ground, buried a few feet down, and the contents were revealed and analyzed with fascination. The water-damaged contents will be dried and prepped for display. The memorabilia will be exhibited for residents to see in the near future.
Since 2000, Brentwood has changed greatly. The population in 2000 was 25,000, and now it is 46,000. In 2000, the Tower Park on Heritage Way was built. Now we have a total of 15 different parks for our residents.
With all these developments, it leaves us with the question: How will Brentwood change in the next 25 years?
Charles Booth, Director of Community Relations in Brentwood, said about the future and learning from the past that, “It’s important to remember where you come from.” The past gives you hindsight and helps with your future decisions. Our past can help guide our future.
Brentwood no doubt looks forward to another bright 25 years.
Charles Booth, Director of Community Relations in Brentwood, said about the future and learning from the past that, “It’s important to remember where you come from.”