Students Discover Lost Time Capsule - What They Found Inside

Taylor Posik Staff Writer

A time capsule was uncovered on campus by two students, Chain Reaction Club President, Kevin Dace and Jayden Barly, ‘22, during spring break.

“We were bored, so we decided to make our own time capsule and bury it for future students to find. We figured outside Frost [Hall] was the perfect place to hide it. As we were digging, that was when we discovered the capsule,” says Dace.

The capsule is engraved with the year 1932, when SNHU was established. Within the box were a quill and ink, an acceptance letter to the previously titled New Hampshire Accounting and Secretarial School, and a few coins dating back to 1904.

“There was also a treasure map,” says Barly. “It gives directions in riddle form that would lead to the treasure. And on the bottom corner were initials - H.A.B.S.”

The initials on the map are the same as SNHU’s founder, Harry Alfred Benjamin Shapiro. However, the map does not give any hints as to what might be hidden.

Theories among students have sparked as they try to guess what could be buried. An ongoing debate has started on social media platforms as students choose sides. Some students have even created Instagram profiles for people to submit their ideas.

“I’ve received a lot of responses that explain what people think the capsule could have. So far, a lot of people assume Shapiro is hiding stolen treasure,” says Ellie Wilberg, ‘24.

As students continue to speculate, the capsule has since been handed over to Public Safety.

“We don’t know where this map will lead to, so it’s in the best interest for all staff and students to steer clear,” says Director of Public Safety, Jim Winn. “We found one student in a place they shouldn’t be, and that was only President LeBlanc’s office. Who knows how far someone will go before they get hurt.”

Public safety has cracked down on security as student residents scavenge for the hidden treasure. Although the treasure’s location remains a mystery, a bond has been welded among students as they continue remote learning.

“Leaving a time capsule for future generations is an amazing legacy. Who knows what could be stashed on campus,” says Dace.

Students who want to submit their own memories for the 2020- 2021 time capsule can check out the Penmen Weekly to learn more.

Old Treasure Map.

(image courtesy: Ubisoft)