Narrandera Shire Council is inviting the community to be part of a unique and historic moment, with the opening of a 50-year-old time capsule at the Parkside Cottage Museum.

Friday, 24 April marks exactly 50 years since the time capsule was originally buried at the museum in 1976. With very little known about its contents, the opening promises to be a fascinating glimpse into Narrandera’s past.

Historical records relating to the capsule are limited. Research has identified a 1976 photograph of Mr Frank Duval, Patron of the Narrandera and Sturt Historical Society, sealing the capsule, along with reports that documents from the Narrandera Race Club were included. However, no formal records existing detailing what items were selected or ownership arrangements following its opening.

Narrandera Shire Council, along with the Parkside Cottage Museum Committee, invite all interested persons to attend the opening of the capsule on Friday April 24 2026, commencing at 10am at the Parkside Cottage Museum.

Council acknowledges that the contents and their conditions remain unknown and encourages the community to be realistic in their expectations. Items within the community time capsule will remain the property of Narrandera Shire Council while they are carefully catalogued and assessed.

Following the opening, individuals with a particular interest in any items may submit an Expression of Interest through Council.

Subject to consideration by Council and the Museum Committee, and where appropriate, items may be returned to the original contributor or their family.

All items will be available for viewing and photography on the day but will remain in the care of the Museum for cataloguing and preservation.

In preparation for the event, Council staff will undertake careful inspection of the capsule to determine the safest method for opening and to assess its condition. This will help ensure the preservation of its contents and the smooth running of the opening ceremony.

The event follows strong community interest generated by local museum volunteers, who have already begun the countdown to this milestone occasion.

Council also notes the importance of preserving accurate records for future generations and will continue efforts to document other local time capsules, including those installed in 2001 and during the 2013 sesquicentenary celebrations.

Community members are encouraged to attend and share in this rare opportunity to reconnect with Narrandera’s history.