During the demolition of the Ward Chipman Library on the University of New Brunswick's (UNB) Saint John campus, a surprising piece of history was uncovered a copper time capsule sealed decades ago.
Its contents, now on display at the university's Hans W. Klohn (HWK) Learning Commons provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and have sparked plans for an updated cache of artifacts to be laid in its place.
UNB's provost and vice-president academic Dr. Petra Hauf was inspired by the discovery to create a new time capsule for the Integrated Health Initiative(IHI) Health and Social Innovation Centre (HSIC) under construction on the site of the former library.
"While it's a relatively young campus, UNB Saint John has a rich history built in the spirit of community and higher learning," she said.
"Opening the time capsule offered us a vivid glimpse into the past. I was so impressed by the sheer amount of planning that was put into the content it contained. I know we will be able to preserve today tomorrow with a time capsule for the new Health and Social Innovation Centre."
Time capsules serve as tangible links to the past, preserving important moments for future generations. For universities like UNB, they are a means of documenting not only institutional milestones but also the culture and values of the community.
Beside the remarks of UNB's then-president Colin B. Mackay for the cornerstone laying ceremony, the time capsule included some coins, photos and a copy of The Evening Times-Globe dated May 15, 1968.
"It is really important that we have an understanding of our past," said Lesley Balcom, dean of libraries at UNB.
"In universities we build on the research of others, build on the teachings of others. The time capsule offers exciting documentary evidence that supports the memories of people involved in the early years of our Saint John campus," he said.
"The new time capsule will be a unique opportunity to leave a legacy for future UNB students, faculty and staff," said Heather Campbell, director of the Integrated Health Initiative. "It will be a perfect way for today's achievements to be remembered for generations to come."
As the HSIC takes shape, UNB invites alumni attending the UNB Alumni Weekend Saint John (Sept. 20 and 21), to check out the time capsule housed in the HWK Commons and the video capturing its opening.
