BOSTON -- A time capsule from 1922 found in Dudley Square was opened, and its contents were presented to the Roxbury Historical Society Thursday.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino joined BRA Director John Palmieri, Rep. Byron Rushing and the Roxbury Historical Society to unveil the contents of the capsule that was found at the historic Ferdinand Building site.

"Eighty-six years ago yesterday -- in 1922 -- a previous generation of Bostonians planted a time capsule as they laid the cornerstone for the Ferdinand Building. I am extremely proud to donate these historical treasures to the Roxbury Historical Society and its chairman, Rep. Byron Rushing,” Menino said. "By documenting our history, this organization helps tell the story of the incredible contributions African Americans have made to this community, this city and this country."

Menino said the time capsule's contents speak volumes of the history and legacy of the Dudley Square community -- items include mementos from the Ferdinand's Cornerstone Laying event, which celebrated the building of the eight-story annex and took place 86 years ago Tuesday.

It was found by contractors working on the Ferdinand and Guscott site in order to ready it for the construction of the city's new municipal office building.

The time capsule includes a half dozen historical items -- including the dedication speech made by the master of ceremonies, Rev. Arthur T. Brooks, and various newspaper articles from June 1922.

In one of the newspaper articles recounting the cornerstone laying event, Mayor James Curley, who attended the event with his family, is said to have congratulated Frank Ferdinand for being the kind of progressive businessman that the city of Boston needed.

"I'm also proud to announce the creation of a new time capsule for this neighborhood. We will place it at the city's new municipal building, which will replace the former Guscott Building and incorporate the historic Ferdinand Building," Menino said.

The city is asking the community to submit ideas for what should go into the new time capsule. Anyone who has suggestions should submit them to the Roxbury Historical Society, 183 Roxbury Street, Roxbury, MA, 02119 or via e-mail at info@discoverroxbury.org.