The state of Missouri continues to celebrate its bicentennial year, 2021. In celebration, special projects like quilts, posters, and murals are part of statewide collaborations to reflect the past 200 years.

However, one project speaks to the future, the Missouri Bicentennial Time Capsule. Scheduled to be opened on August 10, 2046, Cuba is participating in the statewide time capsule. We have added pertinent information about Cuba’s past, present, and a message to future Missourians.

 

Moments in Cuba History

A look back at Cuba’s Sesquicentennial

 

Compiled by Viva Cuba, the time capsule entry includes:

  • a copy of Moments in Cuba’s History 1857-2007,
  • a Route 66 Mural City brochure, and
  • a letter to future Missourians from Cuba. 

 

 

 

We wanted to share our letter to the future with our friends:

Dear Future Missourian,

It is August 2021 in the “Show Me” as we write this letter to the future. The state of Missouri turns 200 years old this month and the celebrations have been nonstop all year long. 

Rich in history, the state is filled with the promise of tomorrow and the confidence of today. Like the city of Cuba, located in central Missouri, we plan every project with the future impact in mind. 

In the future, what should our children and grandchildren’s expectations be for the future in the great state of Missouri? 

  • Think Big. That’s right, see the big picture of how to make the world a better place for everyone. Missouri is filled with opportunities to prosper and grow.  The city of Cuba is a great example of vision, perseverance, and art installations that bring the community together. 
  • Be Kind.  It sounds easy, because it is! The show of gratitude says, “I see you and here’s a smile.” Missourians are gracious hosts, we embrace the spirit of ravioli and nostalgia of Route 66.  Perhaps our greatest attribute is how we make people feel welcome, with a warm smile and a hearty handshake. 
  • Waste Less. Be aware of the disposable lifestyle and look for ways to make less waste.  Ideally, The goal is to live in harmony with nature. We must respect the delicate balance the planet requires. Cuba was the state’s pioneer of Adopt a Highway, a program to remove trash from roadways. Please embrace this program in the future, the state is counting on you!
  •  Support Community. Find ways to help people. Big or small, every act of support builds strong character among the people who live there. Strong communities share the good, the bad, and the ugly – just like a family. In Cuba, the community outreach embraces the environment, animals, people and ideals for a better future. 

The City of Cuba and the beatification committee, Viva Cuba has made sure future residents will see the fruits of their labor.  As a Tree City USA, Cuba wears the honor with great pride. With the help of Missouri Department of Conservation TRIM grants, the city will have shade and protection by way of sustainable treescapes along the main routes through town. 

We are proud to say, when the time capsule is opened, our 90 saplings will be mature deciduous trees! This is our gift to future generations as a way of saying, Viva Cuba! which translates to “Long Live Cuba!”

Sincerely,

Cuba, Missouri 

 

To learn more about Viva Cuba, visit cubamomurals.com or visit Facebook @cubamomurals.

If you would like a copy of Moments in Cuba’s History 1857-2007, stop by the Visitors Center, Peoples Bank Hwy 19, or the Crawford County Historical Society Museum.