Konareski: “I Felt Incredibly Honored” In Time Capsule Contribution
Article done in the words of Dominic Konareski
The Memorial Rock
In late August of 2026, West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer personally asked me if I can contribute to the America 250 Time Capsule that the city is burying. The time capsule burial, slated for Wednesday, September 9th, will occur on the corner of the historic West Haven Green at 6:00 p.m. ET. The capsule will be opened 50-years from then in the year 2076.
When Mayor Borer asked me to contribute by writing a page showcasing West Haven’s sporting history, I felt incredibly honored.
Preserving West Haven sporting history has been a true passion of mine since I was a Sophomore at West Haven High School in 2021. My book ‘Gloves, Engines & Glory’ is just the latest showcasing of my love for West Haven and wanting to make sure its sporting history continues to be remembered.
When asked by Mayor Borer I knew immediately what to do the page on: West Haven’s athletic venues. Now the only problem I faced was how could I fit over a century of history on one singular page. For those who know me personally, know I can’t stop talking (which kind of works out since I am a journalist). Being asked to do this once in a lifetime project I knew I had to do one of my best condensing jobs, while still being as detailed as possible.
With that said I went to work immediately and was able to cover all the major non-high school venues in West Haven. From the first days of baseball at ‘The Rock’ with the Savin Rock Base Ball Grounds, to the widely forgotten about White City Stadium, I was able to do a dive into the athletic venues that made West Haven have its sports history. I also featured Donovan Field/West Haven Speedway, along with the only remaining hey-day stadium still standing of Quigley Stadium.
Being able to present a part of West Haven’s history for future generations to open is something that goes far bigger beyond me. It is a privilege — much more than a privilege in fact, but I can’t think of any better words. I am truly thankful for Mayor Borer asking this from me.
Seeing the time capsules in person felt surreal in its own way. First of all, one of my contributions is vacuum-sealed in one of the two capsules. Secondly, I got to witness its final moments above ground – heck I even got to help bury it by doing a ceremonial shovel dump (shoutout to my Wife Carly for getting it on video).
Dominic Konareski does risky shoveling while holding his camera Lifelong West Haven resident Michelle Konareski smiles proudly as she takes part in city history Carlyssa Konareski shovels dirt into the time capsule hole
The time capsules are buried three-feet below the surface at the corner of the West Haven Green, which borders the corners of Main Street and Savin Ave. A ceremonial rock with a plaque reading “America 250th Time Capsule Placed By City of West Haven September 9, 2026 To Be Opened July 4, 2076,” stands alongside where the capsules are buried. A total of 50-years, or 18,196 days stands between the two dates. For more numbers to those interested, that's 2,599 weeks and 3 days, or 435,504 hours.
With the time capsule being opened in 2076, I will be a very 'young' 72-years-old if I’m still alive at that time. I can only hope that the generations of then and beyond care and value their history like how I have.
By then, in 2076, the majority of West Haven’s athletic history featured in the paper will either be approaching or well-over a century old. Preserving history for future (and even the present) generations is of the utmost importance to me. Whether those generations choose to learn about history is up to them – but I can say with a smile on my face that I did my part and made an impact, and that is one of the greatest accomplishments.
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