Deerfield Commits to Preserving History with Time Capsule
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Meeting Type:
City Identity Committee
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Meeting Date:
05/20/2024
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Recording Published:
05/23/2024
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Duration:
31 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Franklin County
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Towns:
Deerfield
- Meeting Overview:
The Deerfield 350th Steering Committee has finalized plans for a time capsule to commemorate the town’s 350th anniversary. The time capsule, which will be located in front of the local church, is part of a series of celebratory events and projects undertaken by the committee. During a recent meeting, the committee also discussed the success of the oral history program focused on Deerfield’s agricultural past, with intentions of expanding public access to these valuable recordings, possibly at the Tilton Library.
The decision to place the time capsule in front of the church was met with unanimous approval from the committee. The exact location and excavation plans required clarification, which was sought from those directly involved in the project. The discussions were detailed, touching on the coordination with the Department of Public Works to manage debris removal and the involvement of a local expert to oversee the installation process. It was decided that the time capsule would be lowered into place before the public ceremony.
Fundraising efforts for the 350th anniversary celebrations were highlighted during the meeting, with a notable donation received from the Friends of Deerfield. This contribution underscores the community’s support and interest in the town’s historical milestone. The committee detailed the logistics of the time capsule’s installation, including the sensitive nature of the excavation and the careful planning required to preserve the integrity of the chosen site.
The contents of the time capsule are to include items that represent the current era, such as beer cans from a local brewery, alongside an archival volume prepared specifically for the project. These items will serve as a snapshot of contemporary life in Deerfield for those who will open the capsule in future centuries. The committee expressed the importance of documenting the installation process, which will be part of the historical record accompanying the time capsule.
In addition to the time capsule, the committee celebrated the success of the oral history program. The recordings, which delve into Deerfield’s agricultural heritage, were received positively, and there is a strong desire to continue with more interviews. Making these oral histories accessible to the public emerged as a priority, with the suggestion to house them at the Tilton Library for community members to engage with the town’s rich past. The committee recognized the efforts of all those who contributed to the recordings and stressed the significance of preserving Deerfield’s history through such initiatives.
The Friends of Deerfield event was also a topic of discussion, with the committee outlining plans for a schedule of events and a simple, informal ceremony to mark the occasion.
Kayce Warren
City Identity Committee Officials:
Peter Thomas, Carolyn Ness, Jay Stryker, Holly Lankowski, Kelly Charest, Diane Martin
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Meeting Type:
City Identity Committee
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
05/20/2024
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Recording Published:
05/23/2024
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Duration:
31 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Franklin County
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Towns:
Deerfield
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