Memories Of 2020 Buried In Time Capsule In Westfield Park

WESTFIELD, NJ — Although 2020 may be a year many people choose to put in the rearview mirror because of a coronavirus pandemic that has caused the death of more than 220,000 Americans and a long list of societal shutdowns and social distancing guidelines, town officials packed remnants of the year away in a time capsule commemorating the town's 300th anniversary.

The time capsule was buried Triangle Park in a weekend ceremony as part of the Westfield 300 initiative. The time capsule is intended to be opened in 100 years, town officials announced, and includes items both of local and regional interest that will serve as a reminder of what life has been like in 2020.

The ceremony also included the planting of a tree as a legacy gift to Westfield, which is being funded through a grant from the Westfield Rotary Club and is being facilitated by the Westfield Tree Preservation Commission.

Among the items included in the time capsule are:

• Recent editions of local and regional newspapers including The Westfield Patch, The Westfield Leader, TAP Into Westfield, The Star Ledger and The New York Times
• A letter from Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle recognizing the strength of the community's resident in 2020.
• Menus from local restaurants
• A Westfield street map
• Athletic jerseys and COVID-19 masks from Westfield High School
• Items from the Westfield Police Department including badges, baseball caps and a schedule of violations
• A Westfield 300 flag
• Books written about Westfield and by local authors
• A collection of everyday items including eyeglasses, a flip phone, credit card, camera and wristwatch
• A statement provided by the Westfield Clergy Association