Unsealing the Past: Students Open 2001 Time Capsule

25 years ago, students across all grade levels at The Lovett School gathered artwork, essays, student newspapers, magazines, and a calculator to capture a snapshot of school life and predict what the campus would look like during its 2026 centennial. Sealed inside a two-foot metal tube, the time capsule was not buried underground, but instead preserved on a shelf in the archives. In August 2026, Lovett Archivist Kirsten Berlin hosted a special presentation where current students gathered around a table to unseal the container, examine its contents, and discover how past generations envisioned today's school experience.

The contents provided a fascinating look into the predictions and realities of the past quarter-century. Among the items was a prediction by the class of 2001 valedictorian, who accurately calculated the school’s 2026 tuition based on inflation trends, as well as old newspaper issues featuring teachers who are still on campus today. Reflecting on the changes over the last 25 years, English Department Head Ms. Rosenstein highlighted shifts toward student-centered learning, the challenges of modern cell phone culture and AI technology, a clearer commitment to the school's Episcopal identity, and a deeper focus on fostering an inclusive community where everyone belongs.

Inspired by the opening, current students and Ms. Berlin have already begun assembling a new time capsule to be opened in 50 years. This new collection will include artifacts of present-day campus life, such as a brick from the recently demolished Community Center and modern technology. As the school bridges its historical legacy and future generations, community members are encouraged to share their ideas and artifacts to represent life at Lovett today.

You can read the full story by Henry Thompson ’29 here.