Skip to main content

Time Capsule

President Dallin H. Oaks places a statue in the time capsule
BYU President Dallin H. Oaks places a statue in the 1976 time capsule
Photo by Mark Philbrick

During BYU’s centennial anniversary, students and employees buried a time capsule in the southwest corner of the Harold B. Lee library to be opened during BYU’s 150th anniversary.

"The repository contains over one hundred forty items that were chosen to reflect the growth and accomplishments of the University, as well as to reflect student life on campus. The items in the collection were chosen by the cornerstone committee after consideration of suggestions made by students, faculty, and administrators. The contents of the repository consist of eight categories of items, including: centennial memorabilia, Bicentennial memorabilia, letters and manuscripts, Library materials, items reflecting student life and the flavor of our times, publications, photographs, sports and recreation."

—except from the cornerstone ceremony program

On Founder's Day—October 16, 2025—50 years later, BYU unveiled the time capsule surrounded by current students, employees, and alumni who had been present when the capsule was first sealed. Items in the time capsule will soon be on display for the general public.

Centennial Time Capsule Extraction

As part of the sesquicentennial anniversary, BYU will be creating a new time capsule to be opened during the bicentennial celebration in 2075. If you have a suggestion for what should be included in that time capsule, submit your ideas in the form below!

BYU 150 Time Capsule Suggestions