Not to be opened until 2073, contents of of Burlington time capsule revealed

Burlington has revealed the contents of a time capsule that will be sealed away and opened in 50 years.

A project initiated by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward to commemorate the City’s 150th anniversary in 2023, the contents have been gathered over the past several months and this week during a presentation at City council the items were revealed.

The time capsule and the contents will be on display at City Hall for the next several weeks after which the box will be sealed with instructions to not open until 2073 in time for Burlington’s 200th anniversary.

“Burlington’s 150+ anniversary has a history that goes beyond the date of when the Village of Burlington was formed and acknowledges the Indigenous Peoples who were caretakers of this land long before,” explained the mayor. “Putting together a time capsule to mark and celebrate this milestone is a wonderful way to engage everyone in our community and see what they view as representative of Burlington and our local neighbourhoods. Once assembled and unveiled, this will be a lovely keepsake for our community now and for future generations — it will also give them an opportunity to learn a little bit more about the Burlington of the past.”

The capsule itself was designed and made out of a combination of Walnut and Ash wood by local craftperson William Nelsen at Shop Time Studios.

Here are the contents:

• A Key to the City — Give to individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the community, the key was designed by Burlington fine art stained glass artist Teresa Seaton.
• Pins and a coin — The pins included a City of Burlington pin with the current logo, a 150+ anniversary pin, a City of Burlington patron pin, and Burlington Teen Tour Band pins. The coin is an exchange item for residents who travel beyond our borders to represent their city, club or country.
• Indigenous Peoples items — To honour those who first lived in the area, an Indigenous medicine bag prepared by Indigenous Elder and Healer WhiteEagle Stonefish containing such items as tobacco, cedar, sage, sweetgrass, a baby Eagle feather and a healing rock
• The Burlington Post — The last print edition of the newspaper from Sept. 14, 2023. The newspaper began publishing in 1965.
• COVID-19 mask — Representing the struggles the community endured during the pandemic and to remind residents of the future to protect their health.
• Maps — An early map of Burlington as well as one that shows current cycling routes.
• 3D image of the Burlington Bell — Produced by the Burlington Public Library using its 3D print machine, the image represents the Burlington Bell erected in 1894 that hung in the bell tower of the old Town Hall on Elizabeth Street.
• USB Drive —  The drive contains video highlights of Burlington during its 150+ anniversary year.

The mayor provides more details about each item on her website which can be found here.