When it comes to learning history, one of the best ways is to look at artifacts. Looking at letters, journals, and other pieces of the past can help people learn more about Minnesota’s history. Community members of Virginia gathered at the St. Louis County Government Services Center to open a time capsule.

The time capsule was recovered from the former Northland Office Building. It’s been in storage since its discovery and its contents, more than a century old, were finally revealed for the first time.

Mayor Larry Cuffe Jr. of Virginia, says people in the community are invested with their local history.

“So remember the past, work on the present and prepare for the future. Somebody has to lay the foundation for that. This time capsule is one of many that we’ve opened up over time and that lays that right out,” Cuffe said. “You are a community. You work together for a common goal. Despite the challenge that you have, you work together to make your city a better place to live and work. This is a reminder of that.”

Keith Nelson, the St. Louis County Commissioner says the time capsule’s contents represent what people cared about. Items included the names of soldiers from Virginia who served, a bible, and several 1920’s newspapers.

“The list of the veterans that were lost by the city of Virginia in World War I, that list alone is pretty memorable. Can you imagine how that impacted the community back when?” Nelson said. “The loss of 24 young men, in a town that probably had a population not anywhere near where it is today.”

The city of Virginia will also present all the items recovered on display near the Government Services Center entrance. Here’s another story about a couple who dug their time capsule during a wedding anniversary.