Waco 175 at Texas Music Cafe: City Premiere - The Jacob De Cordova Story & Time Capsule Kickoff

Preserving the Past, Building the Future

Join us for a historic evening as we celebrate Waco’s legacy and launch an initiative that will shape its future. Throughout Waco's 175th year, the Jacob De Cordova Society has celebrated Waco's unique history so many wonderful Wacoans. Tonight we are able to tell you about a special event on January 31 that features the City Premiere of "The Jacob De Cordova Story", an animated documentary about Waco’s visionary founder, and the official kickoff of Waco's 200 Year Time Capsule Project.

But tonight is more than just a celebration of history—it’s a call to action.

The evening will highlight how the Youth Innovation Studio, a program developed by the Jacob De Cordova Society, in partnership with Cube3, Texas Music Cafe, and Legacy Museum Consulting, is poised to tackle one of Waco’s most pressing challenges: creating opportunities for young people. By combining digital storytelling, innovation, and community engagement, the Youth Innovation Studio will build a sustainable ecosystem that empowers Waco’s youth to thrive right here at home.

What to Expect

• Premiere Screening: Learn about the first public screening of our animated documentary, "The Jacob De Cordova Story," celebrating Waco’s founding and the values that continue to inspire the city today.
• Time Capsule Kickoff: Learn about the process for selecting items for Waco’s 200-Year Time Capsule, to be sealed during the reopening of the Taylor City of Waco Museum in 2026 and unveiled on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
• Future Vision: Discover how the Youth Innovation Studio will use digital storytelling and virtual exhibits to preserve Waco’s history while creating new opportunities for young people.

Get Involved

• Contribute to the Time Capsule: Share your ideas, artifacts, and reflections for inclusion in this once-in-a-lifetime project. Submissions are open to everyone, and no donation is required to participate.
• Support Our Mission: Donations and sponsorships will directly fund the launch of the Time Capsule Project and the Youth Innovation Studio, creating paid internships and equipping Waco’s youth with the skills to lead in the digital economy.
• Be Part of the Solution: Help build an ecosystem that keeps young talent in Waco by creating pathways to careers in digital storytelling, virtual exhibit design, and the creative industries.

Why It Matters

Waco’s Youth at a Crossroads
Waco faces a challenge: too many young people leave because the right opportunities aren’t here. Through the Youth Innovation Studio, we’re working to change that by building a new creative economy based on digital storytelling, virtual exhibits, and emerging technologies.

Preserving History, Inspiring the Future
The 200-Year Time Capsule will bring the community together to reflect on Waco’s journey, honor its diverse stories, and inspire future generations. Alongside this effort, the Youth Innovation Studio will ensure that young people have the tools and opportunities to tell their own stories while contributing to Waco’s legacy.

How You Can Help

1. Attend the Event: Be part of this pivotal moment for Waco’s history and future.
2. Make a Contribution: Your support will fund the Youth Innovation Studio and help us launch the Time Capsule Project including the following ways
   • $25: Provides youths with workshop session.
   • $100: Funds the framing of a digital storytelling project for a nonprofit.
   • $500: Supports the development of digital storyelling projects and virtual exhibits for the Time Capsule.
   • $1,000: Creates a paid internship for a young storyteller.
3. Spread the Word: Share this event with your networks and encourage others to participate.

January 31, 2025 Film Premiere at Waco Civic Theater!

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Waco’s legacy and help shape its future.

To learn how you can contribute history to Waco's Time Capsule, and, to be first to get information on ticket sales for the Jacob De Cordova Film Premiere, check back for updates.