Fifty years after it was sealed inside a wall at Grand Avenue Middle School, a time capsule created by students and faculty in 1976 was officially opened during the school's extended advisory period on June 2. 

The unveiling marked the fulfillment of a promise made by the Class of 1976, whose plaque covering the capsule read: “Presented by the Class of ’76 to be opened June 2026 when our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.” 

The moment was livestreamed throughout the school, allowing all students and staff to witness the long-awaited opening. In the days leading up to the event, students participated in a series of advisory activities designed to help them better understand life in 1976 and build anticipation for what might be found inside the capsule. 

According to Social Studies Chairperson Ann Donaldson, students spent time learning about the purpose of time capsules and making predictions about the contents of the Grand Avenue capsule. 

“All of our students spent a bit of time exploring the concept of a time capsule and guessing what would be in the GAMS capsule,” Donaldson said. 

“Many advisory classes guessed that there might be a record, baseball cards and bicentennial memorabilia – and all were correct,” noted Social Studies teacher Kristin Fusaro, who was instrumental in organizing the unveiling. 

Students also participated in an interactive “Inflation Station” activity, where they estimated the 1976 prices of everyday items such as milk, gasoline, eggs and Nike sneakers. 

Additional activities challenged students to identify now-vintage technology through audio clips. 

 “Students also got to listen to various audio clips to try and guess the 1976 tech that made the sound. Some of the sounds were from a record player, a Polaroid camera and a typewriter,” added Donaldson. 

The school's celebration extended beyond the classroom.  

“There have been several days of 1970s music playing in the hallways during passing time, and kids were even treated to some impromptu teacher dance parties,” added Dr. Mary Allegretta, an English chairperson. 

The opening of the time capsule was the result of a collaborative effort involving students and staff. Members of the Student Council played a key role in organizing the event alongside Principal Carlo Conte, Dean of Students/Social Studies teacher Howard Fields, and Fusaro.  

Fusaro added that “in September, Grand Avenue will build a new 50-year time capsule to replace the 1976 one, and students have already begun contributing ideas regarding what to include that best captures 2026.” 

To watch the unveiling, click here.