New game embraces city’s history

By Matt Petry

» mpetry@northofboston.com

NEWBURYPORT — Ahead of the city’s 125th anniversary party where a historic 50-year-old time capsule is set to be opened, two classes of third-graders at Francis T. Bresnahan Elementary School learned a bit more about the city’s history through an interactive game Thursday.

“I designed a game, I mean, I’d call it a quest rather than a game where they got to explore local history that’s not really something they would learn in school,” Gamepossible co-founder Sandra Schwarzkopf said.

Gamepossible is a nonprofit that designs and develops game-based, inquiry-driven curriculum and interactive learning experiences for learners of all ages. It collaborates with K-12 schools, higher education institutions, museums, municipal organizations, and other partners to create and implement curriculum materials and professional learning that empower curiosity, critical thinking and engagement.

The premise of the game is that students had to help Mayor Sean Reardon uncover a mystery about “The Tales of Newburyport” before the city’s anniversary on June 24.

Students formed teams and went on an online app where they learned about the Penanacook people, freedom and slavery, the Great Fire of 1811, and more. In each section, they were quizzed on what they learned.

SEE GAME, PAGE 7

Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon visits thirdgraders at Francis T. Bresnahan Elementary School.

SEAN REARDON/ Courtesy photo

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She said students worked on the game for nearly two hours, at one point receiving a visit from Reardon, who arrived with signed “junior historian” certificates for the students.

“He had them all signed yesterday,” Schwarzkopf said. “There were 30 kids between the two classes, and he came today as the kids were finishing up, and we chatted about what they learned, and then he gave each of the students individually signed junior historian certificates.”

Reardon said he had a great time visiting with the students.

“My visit today at the Bresnahan was so much fun,” Reardon said. “I love visiting our schools and talking about the great history of Newburyport.”

Schwarzkopf said she thought it would be a great idea to tie it to the capsule being opened this week.

Sealed in 1976 during the city’s 125th anniversary under then-Mayor Byron Matthews, the time capsule was intended to be opened 50 years later as part of a future milestone celebration.

Originally placed in City Hall as part of Bicentennial era festivities, the capsule contains artifacts reflecting life in Newburyport in 1976, including contributions from local organizations and residents of that era. Among those contributions were student essays selected through a community competition.

The party where the capsule will be opened is being organized by the city and Recreation & Youth Services, and is set to go from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 24 in Brown Square outside City Hall, with the official opening of the time capsule scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

Looking to build a connection between the past and the present, part of the upcoming celebration is an essay contest with a theme of “A Letter to the Future: Life in 2026 and Hopes for 2076.”

Participants are invited to share their thoughts, experiences, hopes and predictions for the future as part of the 2026 Time Capsule Celebration. Winning entries may be included in the official time capsule to be opened in 50 years.

The contest is open to those who live in or attend school in Newburyport, with entries to be judged by grade groups. Full rules and details can be found on the city’s website The outdoor celebration will feature a lineup of activities for all ages, including live music from a 1970s-themed band, family-friendly games and activities for children, opportunities to engage with local history, and a “vibrant community atmosphere celebrating 175 years of Newburyport.”

Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston. com.