A blast from the past
Students and staff continue to explore the Wells Hall time capsule
A blast from the past
Students and staff continue to explore the Wells Hall time capsule
Miami University has existed for over 200 years. A recent time capsule unearthed at Wells Hall brings this history to the forefront.
Installed in the Wells Hall datestone in 1923, the time capsule included items such as an unbound copy of the yearbook, the Miami student newspaper, a course catalog, and a written copy of the president’s speech. The capsule also contained letters from clubs and sororities on campus, some of which are still active today.
King Library hosted an event, “Unboxing a Legacy,” in September to give students the chance to read these letters and to write their own for a future capsule. Not only did the letters give insight into a specific moment in time, students were able to identify phrases and references that are still part of their organization’s tradition today.
Rachel Makarowski, Special Collections librarian, said, “It’s always interesting to uncover the historical evidence of long lasting traditions in clubs and societies.”
In part because of these traditions, students were able to relate to the original letter writers.
“Hopefully, making these connections helps people remember the whole point of legacy in the archives,” said Ani Karagianis, university archivist. “We want people to see themselves in these archives.”
Makarowski agreed saying, “The archives are remarkably for the everyman.”
Students also created buttons from copies of the time capsule materials. Some were placed in the future capsule to tie together the past, present, and future generations.
Inspired by the original time capsule, “Unboxing a Legacy” focused on the intentionality of handwriting a letter and creating buttons for a future audience. In a digital world, Makarowski said the event gave students the unique opportunity to “make a physical mark on the record.”
Both Karagianis and Makarowski also highlighted the importance of student interest and input in the archives.
Karagianis said, “Everyone has a different background in history and interprets the history in a different way.”
Makarowski added, “I think people underestimate the value of how much current interests shape the future of collections.”
The Wells Hall time capsule will remain in the archive collection for viewing. Karagianis and Makarowski recommend interested faculty and students make an appointment through the special collections unit to ensure the best quality of visit.
Also, the archive team is hoping to hold a few more interactive, student focused events in the coming year. Students are encouraged to look out for announcements about these events to attend.