Hampton Historic committee opens time capsule as part of 150th celebration

The Hampton Historic Preservation Society and the Hampton 150th Committee last week gave Hamptonites a peek into the past.

The committees last Tuesday opened a time capsule that was curated and sealed during the city’s centennial celebration in 1970. Tuesday’s opening marked the beginning of Hampton’s sesquicentennial celebration, which will culminate in June this year.

For the last 50 years, the time capsule, a blue metal box closed with a lock depicting the date, was located in a room above City Hall. Now 50 years later, the appropriate time has arrived to sift through its contents.

Inside were bundles of letters written and addressed, stacks of The Hampton Chronicle from that year, memorabilia from Hampton businesses, including a die cast car from the Dyer Pontiac dealer, fliers and posters from the centennial celebration, bricks from former school buildings and much more.

Those who would like to catch a glimpse of what was inside the time capsule can do so beginning now. Currently, items are on display at First Bank Hampton. More locations to display the items will be released at a later date.

Hampton’s sesquicentennial celebration will kick into full force in June. From June 5 to June 10, guests will be invited to attend a number of events throughout the week. Specific details regarding the events will be released in the coming weeks.