FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — There was a big moment in city history on Thursday, as Framingham cracked open a time capsule that had been shut since 1994.
Several different artifacts were found inside the capsule. From photos and newspaper clippings to local restaurant menus, there were plenty of items that showed off their age.
Framingham Human Relations Commissioner Matt Brown said while it might look like a random collection, there was a theme behind the capsule.
“Items were symbolizing efforts to eliminate racism, stereotyping, and discrimination in Framingham,” said Brown. “There’s stuff from the human relations commission, there’s stuff from some of the different local schools.”
Brown said there were some serious ‘blasts from the past’ found inside.
“There were newspaper articles in there about the original Shoppers World getting torn down and the Natick Mall going up,” said Brown.
However, one item Brown found most prominent was the story of an immigrant's struggle after moving to Framingham. He said the story could give people an opportunity to improve their community.
“She came to the United States with her husband, her daughter, and eight dollars. Arriving in Framingham, she said, the only thing she asked for of her community was someone to make her feel welcome, no one did,” said Brown. “I feel like that’s pretty hard to hear, and maybe something we can learn from.”
WBZ NewsRadio’s Emma Friedman (@EmmaFriedmanWBZ) reports.