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BYU Opens 1975 Time Capsule for 150th Anniversary

Public display of the recovered artifacts precedes a new capsule planned for opening in 2075.

Overview

  • The capsule, sealed during BYU’s 1975 centennial and buried at the Harold B. Lee Library, was opened on Founder’s Day in Provo.
  • More than 140 artifacts spanned eight categories, covering centennial and U.S. Bicentennial memorabilia, letters, library materials, student life, publications, photos, and sports.
  • Notable items included a crisp $5 bill, a tape measure, a gavel from then‑President Dallin H. Oaks (announced this week as church president), a Harvey Fletcher recording, a cassette player, a Centennial BYU flag, a Gifford Nielsen jersey, a backpack note, and freeze‑dried cinnamon bears.
  • Alumni who wrote letters returned to read them aloud, with BYU President C. Shane Reese presenting items during the unboxing.
  • The artifacts will be exhibited at the Harold B. Lee Library, and BYU is soliciting public suggestions for a sesquicentennial capsule to be installed in April 2026 and opened in 2075.