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Time Capsule Open House
Time Capsule Open House

Sat, May 18

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Berkeley

Time Capsule Open House

You're invited! Join the Berkeley Public Library, Berkeley Centennial Committee, and Village of Berkeley for this this momentous event that marks a century of community, growth, and memories!

Time & Location

May 18, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Berkeley, 1637 N Taft Ave, Berkeley, IL 60163, USA

About the Event

Mayor Bob Lee will kick off the festivities with opening remarks, followed by the lifting of the marker stone to reveal the time capsule buried 50 years ago. The event promises to be a captivating journey back in time, connecting generations through the preservation of our past.

Event Schedule:

  • 10:00 AM – Time Capsule Opening Ceremony: Join Mayor Bob Lee at the library as he ushers in the day’s events with a speech that reflects on our past 100 years and looks forward to our future. Witness the exciting moment as the marker stone is lifted to access the time capsule. 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Kids Story Time: An hour of stories celebrating the past and present, featuring special guest readers. Take-home miniature time capsules will also be available for kids.
  • 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM – Removal and Display of Contents: Guest emcee Tom Stocker will guide attendees through the unveiling of the time capsule’s contents. Discover artifacts, letters, and mementos that have been sealed away for half a century, each with its own story to tell about the people and events that have shaped our village.
  • Author of the book, “Roses to the Centennial: A History of Berkeley from 1974-2024”, Tim Griffin will be on hand to introduce the book.
  • Mayor Lee will also read a letter from 1974 Mayor Pottle to the current mayor

Events Throughout the Day:

  • Century of Blooms Art Show: Explore a stunning exhibition featuring artwork created by Berkeley residents to reflect “The Rose Town”.
  • Historic Photo Gallery: Walk through a visual history of Berkeley with a gallery of photographs. See the faces and places that have defined our village, offering a unique glimpse into our shared heritage.
  • Suggestions for Next Time Capsule, to be opened in 2074: Have a say in what future generations will discover about us! Attendees are invited to submit suggestions for items to be included in the next time capsule, ensuring that the story of our era is preserved for centuries to come.
  • Library Memories Station: Visit the Berkeley Public Library’s booth to share your favorite memories or stories about the village.
  • Meet-and-Greet with Neighbors Past and Present: A unique opportunity to connect with both longtime residents and newcomers, sharing stories and building bridges across generations. This gathering underscores the spirit of community that has always been at the heart of Berkeley.
  • Special Edition Centennial Music in the Park: After the festivities at the library, join the Rob Post Band from 5-7pm in Berkeley Park. They’ll be sharing a selection of 70’s music to honor the time capsule opening. Neighborhood food trucks will be on hand with tasty options for purchase.

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