Marquette Regional History Center opens time capsule from 1999

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WJMN) – This year’s Fourth of July parade in Marquette was followed with a bit of nostalgia.

Around 4 p.m. on Thursday, the Marquette Regional History Center opened its doors to our present to learn about our past. 25 years ago, the people of Marquette County created a time capsule with what they deemed to be some of the most interesting and important things of their time. The time capsule was buried on June 13, 1999, as part of Marquette’s sesquicentennial celebrations.

“We’re actually here today to open up a time capsule that’s 25 years old, which to me as an old man. It’s like yesterday, but it’s exciting and we’re all here to watch it,” said Marquette Regional History Center’s President Chuck Swanson. “I’m impressed over the turnout we have today. I’m shocked at how many people are here to see this. But what’s in there? Who knows? I mean, some of you may know, but we don’t. [In] any event, you never know what you know, what’s what it’s going to be like, what the turnout’s going to be. And so obviously, I could have gone to camp today. I could have done other things. But I came here for this because I think it’s kind of important for the history of Marquette.”

Some of the items inside the time capsule included old maps, electronics, and a few VHS tapes of local schoolmates from 1999. The history center invites the public to look at these items and think about how far we’ve come in the last 25 years. The Marquette Regional History Center plans on keeping all eligible items out on display until July 18.

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