Unlocking History: Texas Tech University’s Time Capsule From 1975

Hey, Lubbock and fellow Red Raiders! If you've ever wondered what Texas Tech students and faculty thought was worth preserving nearly 50 years ago, now’s your chance to find out! The College of Media & Communication is set to open a time capsule that has been sealed since 1975.

Event Details

📅 When: Monday, February 10, at 2 p.m.
📍 Where: Third-floor lounge, College of Media & Communication, 3003 15th St.
🎟️ Who’s Invited? The event is open to the public, with alumni and media especially encouraged to attend.

You'll be able to watch the live feed right here:

A Peek into the Past

Back in 1975, faculty and students from what was then the Department of Mass Communications (now the College of Media & Communication) sealed a metal box filled with items reflecting the media landscape of the time. Some of the confirmed contents include:

• Copies of the University Daily (now The Daily Toreador)
• Issues of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
• Tapes of KFYO radio’s news broadcast
• The audio portion of KCBD-TV newscasts
• A copy of broadcast material from KTXT-FM

While these items are now confirmed, the full list will remain a mystery until the capsule is opened.

From Memorial Circle to the Present

Originally placed in a wall of the department’s former building near Memorial Circle, the capsule was removed in 2012 when the college relocated. Since then, it has been on display, waiting for its official unveiling.

The time capsule was originally sealed in 1975 to mark the 50th anniversary of Texas Tech’s first graduating class. Now, as the university celebrates its 100th anniversary, the moment has come to unlock a piece of history!

For more details, contact Chris Cook, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management & Marketing at chris.cook@ttu.edu or (806) 742-2136.

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