Letters to Our Future
The Cook County Historical Society (CCHS) launched Letters to Our Future at the beginning of 2026 to document the community's response to the Department of Homeland Security's "Operation Metro Surge." As stewards of history, CCHS invited visitors and residents to record any and all thoughts, experiences, and emotions so future generations can understand life during this time. (CCHS welcomes contributions from all perspectives to capture the full complexity of this moment for posterity.)
What began as a local effort in Cook County quickly grew into a statewide movement, drawing interest far beyond the North Shore from historical societies, libraries, student groups, parents, guardians, and educators. The project has particularly resonated deeply with younger generations as a thoughtful way to process current world events and choose how their voices will be remembered.
Shortly after the initial launch, CCHS received inquiries from other organizations wanting to host similar projects. To assist institutions across Minnesota, CCHS created the free Letters to Our Future Community Toolkit, providing best practices, ready-to-use templates, and hospitality guidelines. CCHS also developed a specialized Local Partner Toolkit to help area businesses offer quiet writing spaces. To make participation accessible to everyone, CCHS introduced an online submission option alongside in-person opportunities. Letter writers can share their submissions in a public journal at the Museum or JHP, add them to our archives (viewable by request), or seal them in a time capsule to be opened in 20 years.
To support the project’s growth, CCHS expanded the prompt beyond Operation Metro Surge to capture general reflections on life in 2026, including specific events such as summer wildfires, BWCAW closures, local and national elections, mining ban reversals, the US Semiquincentennial, the Artemis II lunar flyby, the FIFA World Cup, and the Winter Olympics. Letters may also feature personal reflections, advice, or hopes for future generations.
Most recently, the CCHS was awarded a $1,500 grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC) to expand the initiative further. In collaboration with the Carlton County Historical Society and the Oldenburg Arts and Cultural Community (who are launching “sister” projects), CCHS invites the local arts community to submit proposals for a custom physical time capsule to hold the collected letters. To kick off this project, CCHS is hosting Time Travel Through Arts and Letters, a kickoff event on October 24, 2026, at 2 p.m. at JHP.
