Joined by schoolchildren, members of the 375th Anniversary Commission and others, Gov. M. Jodi Rell today presided over the burial of the 375th Anniversary Time Capsule on the grounds of the Governor’s Residence on Prospect Street in Hartford.
“When we kicked off our 375th Anniversary in February we had quite a story to tell about our great state,” the Governor said during the ceremony. “We were able to share that story thanks to some incredible volunteers, talented individuals and contributions from those with a passion for history.
“It has been a wonderful celebration and the time capsule items reflect another chapter in our rich history when unearthed for the 400th anniversary,” the Governor said. “The submissions are thoughtful suggestions from the public – young and old alike – and from the 375th Commission members. We are grateful for all their wonderful ideas.”
Some of the Time Capsule items include:
· A dress uniform patch and combat uniform patch from Connecticut National Guard units serving in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2010;
· Executive Order 37, which established the 375th Anniversary Commission and a note from Governor Rell on a greeting card bearing the image of the 375th Anniversary Charter Oak, donated by artist Mark Patnode
· The 2010 State Register Manual (The “Blue Book”);
· A flash drive of news articles of state, national and worldwide events that shaped 2010;
· A 2010 Connecticut Komen for the Cure Race pink breast cancer pin and T-shirt with the accompanying question to be opened in 2035, “Have you found a cure for cancer yet?”;
· The 2010 UConn Women’s Basketball Championship Season souvenir book, signed by coach Geno Auriemma.
The capsule is an 18-by-18-by-18 inch steel vault that has been donated by Norwalk-Wilbert Vault Co. of Bridgeport.
TIME CAPSULE CONTENTS
IDEAS FROM THE PUBLIC
* A Flash Drive containing political cartoons and articles about local and world wide events that shaped 2010. The idea was submitted by both Sheila R. Taurianen of Ledyard and Jackie Stack’s 10th grade Social Sciences class at Howell Cheney Technical High School in Manchester. The students worked with their teacher to compile the information and then included items that they would each personally like to remember about 2010 and what they think the year 2035 will look like.
* University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball 2010 Championship Season souvenir book, signed for the occasion by Coach Geno Auriemma. At the time the time capsule was buried, the team had just won its 84th consecutive game, a record in NCAA women’s basketball and only four games shy of the NCAA Division 1 men’s record of 88 set by UCLA between 1971 and 1974. The idea was submitted by Lindsey McDowell of Bristol, who will graduate from UConn in May 2011 with a master’s degree in exercise science. Thanks to UConn Athletics for their assistance.
* Governor Trumbull’s 300th Anniversary Celebration Program, which marked an important celebration at the Trumbull House and Wadsworth Stables in Lebanon in 2010. It is accompanied by a letter from Joyce Cahill, State Regent of the Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution, which reviews the highlights of the organization in 2010. The idea was submitted by the Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution.
* A book compiled by a 5th grade class studying Connecticut History at Calf Pen Meadow School in Milford, which highlights their thoughts about 2010, their vision for 2035 and what they want people in Connecticut to know about them when they open the time capsule. The idea was submitted by Deborah Roger’s 5th grade class Calf Pen Meadow elementary school in Milford.
* A 2010 Connecticut Komen for the Cure race day t-shirt and pink breast cancer pin. The 375th Commission was an honorary sponsor of the 2010 Bushnell Park race. It is accompanied by the question, “Have you found a cure for cancer yet?” The idea was submitted by Jackie Stack’s 10th grade civics class at Howell Cheney Technical High School in Manchester. Thanks to Connecticut Komen for the Cure for their assistance.
* A copy of Universe Magazine, the Connecticut State University System’s quarterly magazine (winter 2010 edition), which represents a snapshot of a day in the life of students from the four state universities. The idea was submitted by CSUS Chancellor David Carter.
IDEAS FROM MEMBERS OF THE 375th COMMISSION
* A signed photo of Governor M. Jodi Rell, the 87th Governor of Connecticut.
* Governor Rell’s Executive Order No. 37, establishing the 375th Commission.
* A dress uniform patch and a combat uniform patch representing each of the Connecticut National Guard units serving in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2010.
* A compact disc featuring the images created by the 15 finalists from the 375th Youth Art Contest for 9-11 year olds.
* A compact disc with contents that represent a snapshot of the Connecticut National Guard in 2010.
* A 2010 State Register Manual (a.k.a. “The Blue Book”).
* A note from Governor Rell, on a greeting card featuring the image of Mark Patnode’s Charter Oak, an oil painting the New London artist painted and gifted to the state to commemorate the 375th.
* A scrap book of photos from events surrounding the 375th celebration.
* Memorabilia from the 375th:
* A set of coasters with the 375th logo and the image of Mark Patnode’s Charter Oak painting.
* A 375th commemorative t-shirt.
* A commemorative book produced by Mrs. Eakin’s 3rd grade class at Jack Jackter Intermediate School in Colchester. The class sang at the 375th kick-off celebration and the time capsule ceremony, documenting their efforts and their activities as a Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism High Order Thinking (HOT) School.
* A copy of Connecticut Explored that featured an article by State Historian Walter W. Woodward about the state’s 375th celebration.
* Items from one of the most contentious and expensive political races in Connecticut history: Richard Blumenthal (D) versus Linda McMahon (R) for the 2010 race for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Christopher Dodd (D). Blumenthal won the race.
* A signed copy of State Historian Walter W. Woodward’s latest book, Prospero’s America: John Winthrop, Jr., Alchemy, and the Creation of New England Culture, 1606-1676.
* A copy of a significant collaborative agreement signed in September, 2010 by Governor Rell, Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) and Nissan North America. CL&P is currently studying the integration of electric vehicles like the Nissan LEAF – to be released for the first time in 2010 in limited markets, including Connecticut – with its electric distribution system. The utility has prototype vehicle charging stations installed at its Berlin campus and the Hartford headquarters of its parent company, Northeast Utilities (NU). Through NU, CL&P is a member of the Regional Electric Vehicle Initiative (REVI), a collaborative effort by utilities in New England to share information to ensure the smooth introduction of electric vehicle technology to the regional electric system.
