The City of Opelousas got a message from its past Sunday.
After 50 years, a time capsule buried to commemorate the city's 250th birthday was opened at City Hall during a ceremony.
"History is our present. Our present will be our future," said Mayor Julius Alsandor.
Family members of the former mayor, city council members, the chief of police all gathered together for the event. Alsandor said everyone "came together at a time when all of us need to be together."
On June 14, 1970, the 250th anniversary committee sealed and buried a time capsule in front of Opelousas City Hall, which was located on Court Street. The contents of the time capsule included a letter from the chairman of the time capsule committee, a letter from former Opelousas Mayor Wilfred Cortez, a key to the city, a letter and badge from former Sheriff Adler Ledoux and a package from the Chamber of Commerce containing a tour guide.
The 250th committee wanted to place materials in the time capsule that would emphasize "Then and Now" for the future younger generations.
A Community Celebration Mural, designed by artist Jerome Ford and painted by members of the community, also was unveiled at the event.
The 250th time capsule items will be on display for public viewing at the Opelousas Public Library. Details when the artifacts will be on display will be announced soon. A time capsule to commemorate the 300th anniversary is scheduled to be buried in November of this year.
For more information, contact the Opelousas Tourism Office at (337) 948-5227.
