Time Capsule from 2001 Opened in Novosibirsk, Message Contents Revealed

At the Local History Museum today, January 23, a time capsule that had been stored for 25 years was opened. It was sealed in January 2001 during a ceremony honoring the laureates of the «Citizen of the 20th Century of Novosibirsk Region» award.

The capsule was opened by the first residents of the new millennium. In 2001, the ceremony invited 25 parents whose children were born on January 1. As participant Dmitry recalls, they were given commemorative medals and certificates as the first resident of the 21st century. The good strollers and certificates for 5,000 rubles (approximately $50 at current rates) were very helpful. At that time, Dmitry, as a mechanic, earned 2,000 rubles a month (about $20 at current rates).

«It was very necessary. And the event turned out to be so warm. All the significant people for the city were there. And it somehow felt like a family gathering,» recalls Dmitry.

His son Danil knew that the capsule was supposed to be opened and waited for it to happen. He even visited the Local History Museum, finding other children whose parents helped seal the capsule.

Another first resident of the 21st century, Daria, came to the event with her mother. The young woman is currently on maternity leave. The mother of the Siberian woman said that at the beginning of the century, raising a child was difficult.

«There was this transition. Things were still recovering from the nineties, everything had just gotten back on track. So my mother worked and raised me. It also turned out that she had to deal with a lot of medical issues. Thanks to her, I»m standing here,« says Daria.

The young woman did not expect that anyone would find her and invite her to the event. But, in her opinion, it turned out very nicely.

The capsule contained a message about the prosperity of Novosibirsk Region, traditions, and the past.

«You will manage to realize what seems fantastic to us now. Fundamentally new directions in science will be created, high technologies will enter everyday life. You will be able to turn Novosibirsk Region into a land of economic prosperity. Novosibirsk has a glorious past. We are proud of our city — the intellectual capital of Siberia, its largest scientific, cultural, and industrial center. It is up to you to continue what we have started, to maintain the good traditions laid down by our ancestors. Today, on the eve of the third millennium, we believe in the future of our region and Siberia, its might and strength, its great destiny and place in history,» said the message from the residents of the 20th century.

The time capsule and message will be transferred to the funds of the Local History Museum.

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