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Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, celebrated its 150th anniversary on October 16 by opening a time capsule that had been sealed for 50 years. The capsule was originally placed in the exterior wall of the Harold B. Lee Library during BYU’s centennial celebration in 1975.
A large group of students, alumni, faculty, and members of the public attended the event at Brigham Square near the library to witness the unveiling. The ceremony began with a video showing how the capsule was removed from the wall. BYU President C. Shane Reese and University Librarian Rick Anderson handled each item from the capsule while wearing white gloves.
The first item revealed was a $5 bill, accompanied by a list describing what that amount could buy in 1975, such as two movie tickets, ten gallons of gasoline, or twenty loaves of bread.
Other notable items included the BYU centennial flag, which was designed under the direction of then-BYU president and current President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Dallin H. Oaks. Also displayed was a gavel presented to Oaks during his presidency at BYU.
During the event, Vance Campbell read aloud a letter he had written as a student in 1975 that was included in the capsule: “BYU shines greatly,” he read, noting milestones like the establishment of the J. Reuben Clark Law School and an expansion project for the library.
The capsule also contained a tape recorder with a cassette tape featuring Harvey Fletcher—known as a physicist and father of stereophonic sound—who contributed to campus history by designing and determining where to place the Y on Y Mountain.
Gifford Nielsen, former BYU quarterback and NFL player who is also an Emeritus General Authority for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, retrieved his #14 football jersey from the capsule. He said, “The impact of the university, and the message that the university sends throughout the world is absolutely remarkable to me.”
All contents from the time capsule will be displayed across campus for visitors.
The unveiling is part of broader celebrations marking BYU’s sesquicentennial year. Other events have included a devotional held on September 9, service fairs, kickoff activities, and an initiative inviting community members to contribute 150 hours of service tracked through an app called BYU 150 Passport. Those who participate can earn prizes by reaching service hour goals and join interactive activities themed around BYU.
Additionally, organizers are extending their outreach with “Traveling BYU Experience.” When sports teams or performing groups visit other cities for events or competitions, they will also host local service projects alongside those appearances.
“It’s going to be a year of celebration unlike anything you’ve ever seen,” President Reese said.
For more information about BYU’s history and upcoming anniversary events, details can be found at https://150.byu.edu/.
