Middle School/ Junior High Time Capsule

A Window Into 1917: Butler Area School Time Capsule Now Digitized for Public Access

As Butler Area School District prepared for the sale of the former Butler Middle School, we had a rare and meaningful opportunity to bring a century of history full circle. On Friday, February 28, 2025, a small group of students, staff, and community members gathered to witness the opening of a time capsule sealed in the school’s cornerstone in 1917.

The copper box, placed during the original construction of the building on May 8, 1917, was nearly forgotten until local historian Bill May alerted the district to its existence. Within 24 hours, Butler Area School District carpenter Scott Fitzpatrick carefully opened a section of the north wall and safely retrieved the artifact.

Inside the box, the group discovered a remarkable snapshot of life in the early 20th century. Newspapers from 1917, coins, a Bible, photographs, school handbooks, and documents were carefully arranged and surprisingly well preserved. These everyday items offered a vivid look into the world and community of Butler more than 100 years ago. Students who attended the opening were particularly struck by how these artifacts connected their own experience to the lives of earlier generations.

In addition to the physical items, the capsule included a written dedication from the district’s 1917 superintendent, emphasizing the significance and pride surrounding the construction of what was then considered one of the most important public buildings in Butler County. For many in attendance, this message highlighted the long-standing commitment to education that continues in Butler today.

The unveiling also sparked renewed interest among students and staff in creating a modern-day time capsule, one that could tell future generations the story of today’s schools, students, and community.

Digitized and Preserved: Time Capsule Items Now Available to the Public

To ensure these historical artifacts can be explored and appreciated by the entire community, the district committed to carefully photographing and digitizing every item.

We are pleased to announce that all items from the 1917 time capsule have now been fully scanned and are publicly available through a link on the Butler Area School District website. Click here or on the button below to view the contents of the 1917 Butler Time Capsule.

 

View the Contents of the 1917 Time Capsule