In June 2014, the Concord Historical Society’s Time Capsule Committee, chaired by Rebecca Lougee of Merrimack County Savings Bank, unearthed a time capsule that had been buried in 1965 beneath City Plaza. Originally sealed during Concord’s bicentennial celebrations, the capsule was removed early due to construction on Main Street.
One year later, on June 7, 2015, more than 500 residents gathered at the Concord City Auditorium to witness its official opening. The event coincided with Concord’s 250th anniversary and became a moment of community-wide reflection.
Unearthing the Past: The 1965 Time Capsule
The 1965 time capsule offered a compelling glimpse into Concord’s past, with contents that reflected the city’s personal, civic, and historical identity. Among the items were:
Letters, coins, medals, and photographs from residents, capturing everyday life and personal reflections.
Materials from local businesses such as Abbot-Downing Co., Page Belting, and Concord National Bank.
Records from religious and civic organizations, representing Concord’s diverse community life and shared values.
Newspapers such as the Concord Monitor and Suburban Weekly, offering firsthand views of local news and culture in the 1960s.
Artifacts of historical significance, including a wood fragment from the 1910 State House dome and a piece of marble from the Boston & Maine Railroad waiting room.
James Milliken of the Concord Historical Society noted the unexpected inclusion of personal family mementos, which were handled with particular care and respect, recognizing their emotional weight and broader meaning to the community.
Public Display and Preservation
After the event, the contents of the capsule were cataloged and preserved in archival boxes. They now form part of the Concord Room collection at the public library, where they remain accessible to the public.
Two historically significant fragments were selected to be included in a new capsule, bridging past and future. The chosen items were the wood from the State House and the marble from the train station.
Looking Ahead: The 2065 Time Capsule
On November 7, 2015, the community came together once more to bury a new time capsule, intended to be opened in 2065. Building on the tradition of its predecessor, the 2015 capsule aimed to capture the spirit of Concord in the 21st century. Among the sealed contents were a smartphone, lego bricks, and handwritten messages from community members
Selections were based on over 1,000 public submissions. According to Boston 25, City Councilor Byron Champlin described the capsule as “a little thumbnail view of who we are today and what was important to us and how we are trying to build the future.”
Community Participation and Legacy
During the 2015 ceremony, residents were invited to write notes and submit artifacts. Many young attendees expressed hopes of being present for the capsule’s reopening in 2065.
Brent Todd, Chair of the Concord 250 Committee, emphasized in a WMUR piece the value of the tradition, “It tells us about who we were, it shows who we are now and it allows us all to reflect—take a chance to pause and reflect about what things will be like for us in the future.”
A Tradition Across Decades
Now, nearly a decade since the capsule was returned to the ground, the 2015 time capsule quietly rests beneath Concord, preserving the city’s story for future generations. For those who participated, it remains a symbol of connection across time; between those who came before, those who live now, and those yet to come. To see the entire list of contents from the 1965 time capsule, visit the City of Concord Public Library’s website.
