Click here to buy BBQ Dinner Tickets: BBQ Tickets
Fifty years ago on Monday, August 29, 1966, a rock-placing ceremony sponsored by the County of Orange, the Orange County Harbor District and local organizations marked the start of construction of Dana Point Harbor. The event took place at Doheny State Beach, during which a time capsule was sealed into a rock chosen from those forming the breakwater. The event was celebrated with music and a program followed by a BBQ dinner. Over 60 organizations and individuals contributed to the time capsule as listed in Doris Walker’s local history, Home Port for Romance. On May 6 of this year, Orange County Parks removed the 8-ton rock from Puerto Place at the Harbor to the John D. Cooper Archaeological and Paleontological Center in Santa Ana where the time capsule contents will be catalogued and prepared for exhibit. “The Rock” will be steam cleaned and placed at its new location at Baby Beach.
Please mark your calendars and join us for the festivities at Dana Point Harbor’s Baby Beach when the time capsule’s contents will be revealed — exactly 50 years after the signature event. Also, please share any items you or your organization may have pertaining to the 1966 event in the form of photographs, film or a record of what was submitted to the Time Capsule. The Historical Society was very pleased to scan photos and documents belonging to Jonathan Jenkins, whose parents, Jim and Mary Jenkins (pictured seated at right), 
and their group performed folk music, including “Dana’s Voyage” during the 1966 program. These materials and others were submitted to Chris Jepsen, Orange County Archives, and will be featured in an exhibit at the event.
The Dana Point Historical Society, as the lead sponsoring nonprofit organization, cordially invites you to support and attend the Time Capsule Celebration. This special event is presented by Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett in partnership with the City of Dana Point, OC Dana Point Harbor, OC Parks and the Dana Point Harbor Association. Our Historical Society will need volunteers to identify sponsors, take BBQ reservations and register guests on the day of the event.
When becoming a sponsor of the 50-Year Celebration, your contribution will go directly to support the work of the 
Dana Point Historical Society in furthering our preservation efforts, including this event. Sponsors will also be recognized in the Official Event Program that all attendees will receive upon arrival. In addition, a tax-deductible donation will provide you, a company or organization with the options and incentives listed in the Sponsor Form (which can be found online here). Your involvement will also demonstrate your appreciation for South Orange County’s recreation and resort lifestyle as well as our unique history.
The festive time capsule unveiling ceremony will begin at 4 PM with a welcome address by Supervisor Bartlett. The program will highlight the original 1966 Rock Placing Ceremony and unveil the items placed in the time capsule 50 years ago. An Audio/Visual Presentation of both the 1966 Ceremony and the 2016 Time Capsule Rock unearthing process will also be featured.
Over 1,000 guests are expected to attend from Dana Point and the surrounding cities. At the close of the program, a BBQ Dinner will be available for purchase by all attendees:
Online BBQ Dinner Tickets are $10 + $1 Convenience Fee – Includes BBQ Dinner & Self Service Water.
BBQ Dinner Tickets are $15 Total at the Event – Incudes BBQ Dinner & Self Service Water.
You may purchase reservations online here: Charge BBQ Tickets Online
You may mail in your reservation with a check or money order here: BBQ Ticket Mail-In Reservation Form
Please check at the BBQ registration table the day of the event to pick up your ticket(s).
Additional beverages will be available to purchase at the event to support the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group.
The dinner will be complimentary to the 2016 Event sponsors and the original BBQ Dinner tickets issued in 1966 will be honored.
Thank you for considering to volunteer and/or become a sponsor. As an Event Sponsor, not only will you be supporting the 2016 Dana Point Harbor 50-Year Time Capsule Opening Celebration, you will also have the opportunity to become part of history when your name or organization is featured in the Official Event Program, which will be included in the new Centennial Time Capsule to be opened in a special ceremony in 2066. Please see our website, www.danapointhistorical.org for more information to sponsor or volunteer, or call the Historical Society at (949) 248-8121.
Elizabeth Bamattre and Barbara Johannes, DPHS Representatives
Dana Point Harbor 50-Year TIme Capsule Committee