Century-old time capsule found during demolition of old Owatonna High School

A time capsule containing items from more than a century ago was discovered during the demolition of the former Owatonna High School.

The time capsule, which dates back to 1920, was found in the cornerstone of the former Owatonna High School, the school district announced on Facebook earlier this month. The old school was demolished after a new high school opened to students this fall.

The time capsule was opened during a press conference last week.

“Owatonna High School has a rich history, and that history has spanned multiple buildings, multiple spaces of learning and so many different faces,” Owatonna High School principal Cory Kath said at the press conference.

“And so tonight I think it’s going to be really exciting to see some of those faces emerge in what was collected in this time capsule.”

Items found inside the time capsule included a copy of the school newspaper, a district finance committee report, a roster of the 1920-21 Board of Education and teachers, copies of three local newspapers, and a booklet written in Czech.

The school district says it will work with the Steele County Historical Society to preserve and display the items.

You can watch the moment the time capsule was opened here.