Time Capsule Asu — The 50-year-old time capsule at ASU. (Terrell Slater / Alabama State University)

It’s not every day that you get a first-hand view into what our state was like half a century ago. But on February 1, 2024, that’s exactly what the community will be doing on campus at Alabama State University (ASU). Keep reading for all the details.

Opening the 50-year time capsule

What lies inside the 50-year-old time capsule firmly planted on ASU’s campus? Students and the local community will find out at the Time Capsule Opening ceremony as part of ASU’s 124th Founder’s Day celebration. It’s stocked with various items that represent what life was like at ASU in 1974.

“We are excited, at the University, to host this special time capsule in-person ceremony as part of our two-day Founders’ Week events. We will have speakers and music, and the actual opening of the capsule that will allow students and the public to look at the remnants of Alabama State’s history from the year 1974…

This special ASU historical event will help students and others better understand what campus life was like 50 years ago, and will shine a light on that moment of time and contrast it with the phenomenal growth of Alabama State University and how far it has advanced since the mid-1970s.”
Jessica Madison, Executive Director, ASU Strategic Communications + Marketing (ASU Press Release)

The event is at 11AM on Thursday, February 1, and will feature speeches from University President Quinton T. Ross, Jr., and Larry Watkins, legendary ASU baseball coach.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin to speak at ASU

The day after the time capsule opening, the Founders Day Convocation will take place at ASU, and the keynote speaker will be Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. Here are the details: