125th Anniversary Time Capsule At Blackstone Library

The Blackstone Library first opened its doors on June 17, 1896. Since then, the library has been proudly serving the Branford community, promoting and preserving free access to information and lifelong learning for all. As part of our year-long celebration, Blackstone Library invites the community to commemorate 125 years of enriching Branford life by helping preserve history with contributions to the anniversary time capsule.

Everyone in the community is invited to participate, including residents of all ages, community groups, service organizations, and businesses. Library staff have created questions designed to capture a slice of life in Branford and at the Blackstone Library. From February 1 through April 30, you can submit responses at blackstonelibrary.org, or stop in to the library for a paper form.

The library will also accept images for inclusion in the time capsule. You can share a photo of yourself, your family, or something you care about.

Submissions will be printed onto archival paper, and sealed into a time capsule during a special ceremony at the library’s upcoming 125th Birthday Bash.

Delight, inform and surprise Branford community members in 25 years when they unseal the capsule and discover your stories and pictures of today! “We are excited to provide this gift to our future community to provide insight into our experiences from these challenging and transformative times,” said Library Director Karen Jensen.

The Blackstone 125th Birthday Bash will be held in June at the library. It will feature a full day of special events and activities for the entire family. Keep an eye out for more details about this historic occasion that continues the legacy of the Blackstone Library: engaging community, expanding minds, and enriching lives.

"We really hope to get everyone in the community involved," said Mary-Rita Killelea, Secretary, Blackstone Board of Trustees. "The world has changed a great deal since 1896 and we think that this time capsule is a special way to commemorate the library’s 125th Anniversary and to show future stewards of our Blackstone, from many different perspectives, what it was like to live in Branford at this moment in time."