Wilson Campus School Time Capsule. Collection, 1967.

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SMHC Collection 0224

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The time capsule was intended as a memory to the past, and a look to the future. Included in the capsule were class reports on several countries, as well as various topics including science, space exploration, fashion, the city of Mankato, and predictions for the future. They included model space ships, toy cars and other items they felt people might like to see in the future.

The folders in the collection are labeled by group or class. “Group” is used to describe materials taken out of the time capsule that were grouped together without a specific title. Other items taken out of the time capsule were clearly labeled with a grade level and course title.

The capsule itself was an old water softener tank, standing approximately five ft. tall. For the burial event the school held an assembly with dignitaries who gave speeches.

There is a permanent display in the archives reading room of the capsule itself.

Dates

1967

Biographical / Historical

During the 1967 summer school session at Wilson Campus School a time capsule was created and buried. On June 28, 2000 near the flag pole area of Wiecking Center, a crew from the university’s facilities management uncovered and removed the capsule. It was opened by Daardi Sizemore, Archives and Special Collections Librarian, with MSU faculty and staff, as well as Wilson Campus School alumni looking on. Items in the time capsule were wrapped in bags and tied together with string for easy removal.

It took about 30 minutes of work with a backhoe and shovels to remove the capsule. Once the canister was opened, the materials inside were carefully removed.

Extent

2.00 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains the contents of a time capsule buried in the summer of 1967 by students at the Wilson Campus School. It was dug up in the summer of 2000.

The summer school classes contributed to the capsule and included class reports on several countries, as well as various topics including science, space exploration, fashion, the city of Mankato, and predictions for the future. The students included water samples, model space ships, toy cars and other items they felt people might like to see in the future.

The capsule itself was an old water softener tank, standing approximately five ft. tall. For the burial event the school held an assembly with dignitaries who gave speeches.

Some items from the collection have not been opened and processed for this collection.