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As Christchurch looks to build a new future post-earthquake, they’ll also have a glimpse into the past after two time capsules were found in the ruins.
When part of the Christchurch cathedral crumbled in last Tuesday’s earthquake, it was hard for residents to see the silver lining. But as workers hauled away the wreckage of a toppled statue of John Robert Godley, founder of the city of Christchurch, they uncovered what are thought to be two time capsules buried beneath Mr. Godley’s likeness.
(More on TIME.com: See photos of last week’s quake that devastated New Zealand)
“Of all the days we’re looking for some hope and some vision, it actually delivers to us a miracle,” Christchurch mayor Bob Parker said of the two cylinders workers handed to him. One was a glass bottle containing a rolled-up paper, and the other was a metal tube that rescuers left sealed. Both are now in possession of the Canterbury Museum, who will carefully unearth the contents of the supposed time capsules.
Museum director Anthony Wright said there were a few opportunities to place the capsules beneath the statue – upon its inauguration in 1867, when it was relocated in 1918, or finally when it was returned to its original location in 1933.
It’s as if Christchurch’s founder came back to life to deliver its devastated residents a piece of history.
(More on TIME.com: See the initial reports of the horrifying 6.3-magnitude quake)