Halifax Explosion time capsule opened for 100th anniversary (16 photos)

After being encased in the Fort Needham Memorial Park monument since 1985, one Halifax Explosion time capsule has been opened, as another is prepared to take its place for the next 50 years.

Ann Louise Derosier was 20-years-old when she helped place the first capsule in the monument with her grandmother – who was a survivor of the explosion. 

“I am so glad I am here in her memory and for other family members of survivors,” she says. 

At the time, she says she was given a list of what was in the capsule but never saw the artifacts in person. 

“To actually see them and that they had survived these years was really exciting,” she says. 

It included items like explosion testimonies and photographs along with a 1917 grocery bill and penny.

Chair of the Halifax Explosion Anniversary Advisory Committee Craig Walkington says a new time capsule will be replacing the first and will be opened for the 150th anniversary of the explosion in 2067.

“It's expected that we will seal the capsule at some point in mid-December so that we can include actual items from the actual commemorative ceremony on the 6th of December,” he says. 

Walkington says the new capsule will include more than 35 items like the 100th anniversary ceremony program, Canada Post's new Halifax Explosion stamp and official letters of commemoration from Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Stephen McNeil and Mayor Mike Savage.