Time Capsules Discovered During Demolition Of Former Penetanguishene And Midland Secondary Schools

Two historic time capsules have been discovered in the walls of former local high schools, Penetanguishene Secondary School (PSS) and Midland Secondary School (MSS).

The discovery of the PSS time capsule, located behind the school’s cornerstone at the former school site, occurred during the building’s demolition completed by the Town of Penetanguishene in late March, just three years after the demolition of MSS and the opening of the new Georgian Bay District Secondary School (GBDSS).

Since its placement in 1955 behind the facility cornerstone, the time capsule remained untouched as dozens of graduating classes walked unknowingly past it through the school’s front doors over the years.

When, the Simcoe Country District School Board learned that a time capsule had been found during the PSS demolition, it was shared that a similar container was found at MSS and was in safe keeping at GBDSS.

An unveiling of both time capsules will be held at the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives in celebration of International Museum Day on May 18th.

The contents of each container will be displayed at the Museum for a month until a more permanent location is secured, based on what is found. Community Members and past graduates are encouraged to attend the historic unveiling through live stream or are invited to attend in-person.

Time Capsule Unveiling
Date: May 18, 2022
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives, 13 Burke Street

Quotes

“A time capsule’s purpose is to preserve documents and objects from a certain moment in time for the future. When these objects are revealed, they tell a story of the community and what they felt was important to preserve for the future. Museums are a place that conserves these objects for future generations as well. To host a time capsule event at a museum is a perfect combination of preserving, conserving and celebrating our past, present and future” said Nicole Jackson, Curator of the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives.

“The opening of the time capsules from two schools that have since amalgamated is a very special and exciting way for our communities to celebrate Museum Month. Museums are integral to sharing and preserving our culture and history and as a PSS grad, I’m looking forward to the glimpse into the past that both capsules hold” said Karen Mealing, Town of Midland, Manager of Culture and Community.

“Time capsules provide an interesting glimpse into the history of our schools,” says John Dance, Director of Education for the Simcoe County District School Board. “We are excited to reveal the contents of the time capsules from the former Penetanguishene Secondary School and Midland Secondary School with members of the Penetanguishene and Midland communities.”