To celebrate the 100th birthday of the United States on July 4, 1876, the citizens of Sandwich performed a quiet act of faith: they sealed a container of their history, destined for a world they would never see. Without realizing it, they had created one of the nation’s first true time capsules.

Join Robert Thomson as he introduces the three local leaders tasked with curating Sandwich’s legacy. Were their choices inspired or shortsighted? What physical perils did the capsule endure during its hundred-year slumber? And finally, what was revealed when thousands gathered in the summer of 1976 to finally break the seal?

Robert Thomson is a Sandwich Public Library trustee and former newspaperman. He became obsessed with the Centennial Box story in the summer of 2025 when he was introduced to the humble wood-and-tin container that has found a 21st century home in the Town Archives. Thomson's presentation is based on the five articles in which he chronicled the time capsule's career for the Friends of the Sandwich Town Archives (FOSTA).

Friends of the Sandwich Town Archives (FOSTA) is a dedicated, all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to supporting and promoting the Archives' collections and the rich, diverse history of the town of Sandwich. FOSTA plays a vital role in supporting the Sandwich Town Archives by providing funding and resources for its continued operation. This support helps ensure the preservation of historic documents, books, and photographs, while also promoting public access for research and educational purposes.

Visit their website for more information: www.fostasandwich.com