Time Capsule Information Sought-July 10, 1979

Norwood Historical Commission Time Capsule Search

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Theodore A. Curtin, chairman of the commission, clarified that the objective was not to unearth these items, but rather to compile a comprehensive registry to ensure that such vessels—including sealed cornerstones of older buildings—are not lost to history. The commission is seeking details such as the designation of the capsule, the sponsoring group, the date sealed, the exact location, an inventory of contents, and any scheduled opening dates.

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The commission intends to prioritize inquiries with local churches, veterans’ organizations, and fraternal groups that own their own buildings. This inventory effort was initiated at the request of the Secretary of State, and the collected data will serve both state and local archives. As part of the same survey, the commission plans to ask local organizations to provide a “historical character sketch” detailing their origins and purposes.

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While the commission manages town archives in the Town Hall attic and the Norwood Historical Society’s Day House serves as a primary repository, locating buried capsules remains a challenge. Curtin noted he is aware of at least one repository: a sealed box of memorabilia deposited at the Day House by a junior history class at Norwood High School in 1976. That collection, created during the height of “Bicentennial fever,” is currently scheduled to be opened at the students’ 25th class reunion in the 21st century. Residents with information regarding local time capsules or building cornerstones are encouraged to contact the commission at 208 Winter St.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger