A time capsule containing stories and memorabilia from survivors of the Halifax Explosion has been opened following renovations at the memorial bell tower, with another to soon take its place.
“There are so many personal stories of survivors,” says Anne Louise Desrosier, the granddaughter of a Halifax Explosion survivor.
“I'm not sure you can really capture all of that and put it in a box.”
Thirty-two years ago, Anne Louise Desrosier helped her grandmother place the time capsule inside the tower.
She says it’s surreal to see it opened today.
“I have thought a lot about what she might think now,” says Desrosier. “What I find interesting is there's so much more interest now in the history of the explosion and those involved and those who survived than I ever remember.”
The box containing photos and letters will now be safely stored in archives. Another time capsule will take its place.
“We're hopeful that the contents will reflect the widespread devastation that happened,” says Craig Walkington, chair of the Halifax Explosion Anniversary Advisory Committee. “We also want to reflect on what was society like in 2017 during Canada's 150th anniversary.”
Nestled inside will be letters from Queen Elizabeth, as well as an image created by Mi'kmaq artist Alan Siliboy capturing Turtle Grove Mi'kmaq settlement.
As well, the capsule will include shards of glass and pottery from the explosion unearthed 100 years later during renovations at Fort Needham Park – the site of the annual memorial service.
The new time capsule will be placed back inside the memorial bell tower during this year's memorial service. Its contents will be revealed in 2067 to mark the explosion’s 150th anniversary.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Marie Adsett.
