Contents of Time Capsule Revealed

Published by the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage

Thursday, September 8, 2011

The mystery of the time capsule found at the former Queen Elizabeth High School site was solved when the box was opened for the first time in 70 years.

Quotes

“ The time capsule is a unique opportunity to learn about our past and the common bonds that we share. We appreciate the foresight of the high school administrators in preserving part of our history. ” David Wilson, Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister

“ I'm sure when they created this time capsule, that they were filled with great excitement and curiosity about what life had in store for them. In a way, by travelling back through time this afternoon, we have helped complete their journey to the future. ” HRM Mayor Peter Kelly

“ When it opened, QEH was the largest school built in our province. We are looking forward to working with museum and archival staff to preserve the contents as an honour to the history of this great school. ” Irvine Carvery, chair of the Halifax Regional School Board and a QEH alumnus

Quick Facts

  • The time capsule was put together during the Second World War and contained copies of the Halifax Herald and Halifax Chronicle newspapers from September 29, 1941, a report from the Board of School Commissioners from 1940, a document from the Committee of School Sites and a nickel and postage stamp from 1941.
  • The sealed copper box, measuring about 9x11 inches and three inches deep, was discovered in August by workers disassembling the old high school.
  • The box has no identifying markings on the exterior and was found in the back of the building's corner stone, which was placed in 1941.
  • The event took place at Citadel High School before students, Queen Elizabeth High School alumni, members of the public, officials from the provincial and municipal governments and the Halifax Regional School Board.
  • Communities, Culture and Heritage and Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal will work with the Halifax Regional School Board to decide how the contents will be preserved and displayed.

Media Contacts

Kyla Friel
Communities, Culture and Heritage
902-471-4128
E-mail:
David Salter
Transporation and Infrastructure Renewal
902-424-1750
E-mail:

Images

Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson (left) and Education Minister Ramona Jennex (right) talk with some Queen Elizabeth High School alumni.
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Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks shakes hands with Queen Elizabeth High School alum Wallace Matthews as Education Minister Ramona Jennex applauds.
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Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson holds the time capsule copper box as it is cut open and the head table guests look on.
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Director of Archives Management at Nova Scotia Archives Margaret Campbell looks through a newspaper from the time capsule as Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson holds a microphone.
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Director or Archives Management at Nova Scotia Archives Margaret Campbell looks at a report from the time capsule as the head table guests look on.
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Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson holds a copy of The Halifax Herald from 1941.
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Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson spreads out the contents of the time capsule placed during the construction of Queen Elizabeth High School in 1941.
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Videos

The opening of the QEH time capsule from 1941.
Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson talks about the importance of time capsules.
QEH Head Girl from 1941 recalls her time at high school.
Citadel High School students talk about the capsule opening.

Audio

Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister David Wilson talks about the importance of time capsules.