Commemorating 125th Year, Blackstone Library Creates Time Capsule

BRANFORD, CT — The Blackstone Library first opened its doors on June 17, 1896.

Since then, it's served the community by "promoting and preserving free access to information and lifelong learning for all."

As part of its year-long 125th anniversary celebration, the library has invited the community to be part of its commemoration of "125 years of enriching Branford life by helping preserve history with contributions to the anniversary time capsule."

Anyone and everyone is invited to participate, including residents of all ages, community groups, service organizations, and businesses.

Here's how to be involved:

Time capsule submissions

Click here to submit your responses to questions "designed to capture a slice of life in Branford and at the Blackstone Library."

Submissions are being accepted now through April 30 online or in person at the library. It's also accepting images for inclusion in the time capsule. "You can share a photo of yourself, your family, or something you care about," it's noted.

The 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."

The effort is created to "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,” library Director Karen Jensen said.

Save the date

The Blackstone 125th Birthday Bash will be held on June 25, 2022, at the library. It will feature a full day of special events and activities for the entire family. Mark your calendars and save the date for 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."