Replicas of time capsule objects on exhibition at public libraries

SINGAPORE — The popular Super Simon electronic game set from the 1970s, pre-World War II coins, and an analogue telephone that members of the public can try out or examine firsthand.

These are some of 40 objects spanning about 170 years of the Republic’s history on display at a travelling exhibition launched on Thursday (Nov 9) by the National Heritage Board (NHB).

The items on display are replicas of the actual items that have been placed in time capsules here, such as the Science Centre Singapore’s 1973 time capsule and the 1984 time capsule at the National Museum of Singapore. While some capsules have been uncovered, others remain buried.

The replica objects were mostly sourced online from platforms such as Carousell and eBay, as well as antique shops.

Other objects on exhibition include a pager, a 35mm Rollei camera and a HP-35 scientific calculator from the 1970s.

More than 50 time capsules have been buried or sealed in Singapore over the past two centuries, said Ms Ruchi Mittal, one of the researchers for the exhibition. One of the latest was buried in 2015 in commemoration of SG50, and comprises 50 items voted by the public. It will be opened in 2065.

The oldest known time capsule here was buried in 1843 at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. It was found last year under the cathedral’s foundation stone by workers involved in its restoration and the original items from the capsule are on display in the cathedral’s heritage gallery.

“These time capsules and their contents not only tell us about the institutions or organisations that created the capsules, but also give us glimpses into Singapore’s everyday life over the years, and the ways people chosen to represent themselves to future generations,” Ms Ruchi, an assistant manager of education and community research at NHB.

“This exhibition is part of our efforts to showcase little-known and interesting aspects of Singapore’s heritage by bringing them to the heartlands. We hope that Singaporeans both young and old will learn more about these mini-dormant museums,” said Mr Alvin Tan, NHB’s assistant chief executive of policy and community.

The Frozen in Time: Time Capsules in Singapore exhibition will remain at Toa Payoh Public Library till the end of November, and will travel to seven other public libraries until November next year.

Depending on public interest, more locations may be added and the exhibition may be extended, Mr Tan said.

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