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Butterfield Time Capsule

A Journey Through Time: Butterfield Opens 1976 Time Capsule and Creates a Legacy for 2076

Butterfield School recently celebrated its rich history and bright future with two special events centered around the opening of a time capsule that had been buried in 1976.

On May 30, Butterfield welcomed alumni, former staff members, current students, families, and community members back to the school for a memorable open house. Visitors had the opportunity to view the contents of the 50-year-old time capsule, watch a video documenting its unearthing, browse yearbooks spanning decades of Butterfield history, and tour the building with guides from the Butterfield Student Council. The event was filled with stories, memories, and connections as generations of Butterfield students came together to celebrate the school's legacy.

The celebration continued on June 1 with a schoolwide assembly that brought together alumni and current students. The Butterfield Choir entertained the audience with a special performance, and students showcased their talents during the Butterfield Cup Stacking Championship, adding excitement and energy to the celebration.

During the assembly, the Butterfield community reflected on the significance of the 1976 time capsule and looked ahead to the future by creating a new time capsule that will be opened in June 2076.

Students played a central role in preserving this moment in history. They contributed drawings, predictions about what life might be like in the future, examples of today's fads and trends, reflections on cultural icons from Libertyville and Butterfield School, and many other artifacts that capture life in 2026. Alumni connected to the original 1976 time capsule also contributed items and reflections, creating a meaningful bridge between past and present. Together, these contributions will provide future generations with a fascinating glimpse into the lives, interests, and dreams of the Butterfield community.

The opening of the 1976 time capsule offered a unique opportunity to connect the past with the present, while the creation of a new time capsule ensures that the stories of today's students and alumni will inspire and inform future generations. It was a truly special celebration of community, history, and the enduring spirit of Butterfield School.

Time Capsule Open House, May 30, 2026, Photo Album

Time Capsule School Assembly June 1, 2026, Photo Album

 

Time Capsule Open House

A woman stands behind a colorful %22Flashback to 1976%22 sign on a grassy lawn in front of a brick building.
A group of children stand and kneel in front of a display celebrating the 250th anniversary of America, with patriotic banners and historical facts in the background.
Two smiling men in the foreground pose for a photo in a brightly lit room with a crowd of people and balloons in the background.
In the foreground, lush green grass and a stone bench are visible, while the background features a colorful ice cream truck with a line of people and a building.
Five women stand in the foreground of a room with a tiled ceiling and brick walls, while balloons and banners are visible in the background.
Four children stand behind a table laden with snacks, with a school cafeteria serving line visible in the background.
Three smiling women pose in the foreground of a gymnasium with a scoreboard and lockers visible in the background.
Two women in green t-shirts smile at the camera in the foreground, while a blurred background shows a gathering of people in a gymnasium.
Three smiling boys in the foreground stand behind a table with papers and a photo album, while blurred figures and a gymnasium are visible in the background.
Two smiling girls hold cups in the foreground, while in the background, people gather around tables in a gymnasium.
A woman in a blue shirt and patterned skirt shows a photo album to children in the foreground, while a gymnasium with other people and balloons is visible in the background.
People gather around a table with open books and papers in the foreground, while a bulletin board with the words %22STACK TO SUCCESS%22 is visible in the background.
People gather around a table displaying various items in a gymnasium.
A family of five smiles for the camera in the foreground, with a blurred background of a gymnasium event.
In the foreground, people are gathered around a table with a %22Back to the 90s%22 display, while the background shows a gymnasium with wooden walls and a basketball hoop.
Two young boys smile in the foreground with a patriotic banner celebrating America's 250th anniversary in the background.
Three people pose for a photo in front of a brick wall with balloons and tables in the foreground.
People are seated in chairs watching a large screen displaying a sports game, with brick walls and doorways visible in the background.
In the foreground, a group of children and adults gather around a display table adorned with star-shaped balloons, while in the background, a school hallway is visible with more people and displays.
In the foreground, a woman and a young boy examine a display, while in the background, banners celebrate the 250th anniversary of America.
People examine historical displays featuring American flags and anniversary banners in a well-lit hallway.
Two men stand in a hallway in front of a patriotic display featuring an eagle and fireworks, with brick walls and doors visible in the background.
People examine historical displays and photographs in front of a banner celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
Join us for an alumni open house at Butterfield May 30 3-5 PM