The Past is Alive in Time Capsules
Most of us want to be remembered, appreciated, and looked up to. We want a part of our past to be left behind for others to find and to ponder. The existence of time capsules has allowed us to do this.
A lock of hair, a medal of honor, a poem, a key to a city, a pair of shoes, a photograph. These are the many things that happen to find their way into a capsule or cache containing the remnants of histories past. In most cases, these artifacts are buried during a celebratory event for a city or state and are meant to be opened several years down the road.
However, there are those that are unintentional and wind up being discovered thousands of years later after they were placed in the ground. These unintentional caches are of cultural significance found in standard archaeological digs “as well as those from volcanic eruptions such as Pompeii and Vesuvius.”
According to my readings, the Epic of Gilgamesh begins with directions on how to acquire “a box of copper inside a foundation stone in the great walls of Uruk – in the box is Gilgamesh’s tale, written on a lapis tablet.”
The Crypt of Civilization
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For centuries, civilizations have found ways to leave clues into their past. One such example is the Crypt of Civilization, which was a sealed airtight chamber located at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia. Thornwell Jacobs (1877–1956), referred to as “the father of the modern time capsule,” was inspired to construct the crypt after the openings of the Egyptian Pyramids and tombs in 1920. “He was struck by the scarcity of historical information available from these ancient civilizations and imagined having a “running story” of the customs of human life from beginning to the 1930’s modern culture. Jacobs noted that 6,177 years had passed between when the Egyptian calendar was established in 4241 BC and the present year (1936 AD). This figure served as the rationale for setting the opening of the crypt for 8113.”
Special care was taken to preserve the many artifacts in the capsule including lining some of the stainless steel containers with glass and an inert gas to prevent the aging process. Some of the contents were placed on the shelves neatly and on the floor, much like the arrangement in an Egyptian tomb.
Varied pieces were donated by “King Gustav V of Sweden and Eastman Kodak.” In addition, the crypt held microfilm on cellulose acetate film containing more than 800 classic works of literature, including the Koran, the Bible, Homer’s Iliad, and Dante’s Inferno.
David O. Selznik
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
- An original copy of the script for Gone With the Wind was donated by movie producer David O. Selznik
- Voice recordings of historical figures such as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Benito Mussolini, and Franklin Roosevelt
- Unusual sound clips were also included such as the cartoon character “Popeye”
- Dental floss, Budweiser Beer, a radio, Lincoln Logs, Toys, a Negro doll, a toaster, pacifier, and some other odds and ends
- Steel plates of the Atlanta Journal newspaper reporting on World War II. (Last to go in the time capsule)
“Jacobs addressed those who will open the crypt in 8113 in a note hoping for future efforts for preservation, saying, The world is engaged in burying our civilization forever, and here in this crypt we leave it to you.”
The placement of electric microreaders and projectors in the crypt were to ensure that whoever found it could view and listen to the recordings. A generator operated by a windmill was also in place to help operate the machinery, as well as a magnifier to read the microfilm.
The capsule was officially sealed in 1940, and media maintained its coverage every decade. However, up until now the crypt has been forgotten. It wasn’t until The International Time Capsule Society brought it back to life in 1990, celebrating the 5th anniversary of the sealing. It was again featured in 1999 during a Millennium celebration.
The Crypt of Civilization remains one of the most well planned and significant capsules of our time.
Cupaloy
Image via Wikipedia
In 1937 at the New York World’s Fair, the “Time Capsule” was duplicated by George Edward Pendray, a public relations executive for Westinghouse Electric Company. The capsule was 90″ long, with an interior diameter of 6.5 inches, and weighed 800 pounds. The remnants of the capsule included “a spool of thread and doll, a Book of Record (description of the capsule and its creators), a vial of staple food crop seeds, a microscope and a 15-minute RKO Pathe Pictures newsreel.”
The first modern capsule followed in 1965 at the same site, but 10 feet to the north of the original. Both capsules have been buried 50 feet below Flushing Meadows Park and are meant to be opened in 6939.
What needs to be considered when adding artifacts to a time capsule is whether it will assist people in the future. Adding artifacts that help historians catch a glimpse of the past in one thing, but adding such items that outlines one person’s life or credentials will have no standing in a future society. To make this clearer, putting useless junk in a time capsule tells little about the time, other than the fact we enjoyed clutter. This includes adding technology to the capsule, which will not only be obsolete in the near future , but it will deteriorate underground so it will have no significant value when found.
In some cases it seems that the time capsules were never meant to be found. This is the case of some of the most famous, missing time capsules in the world. There are now close to 8 capsules that retain a certain mystery about them, never to be found after disappearing many years ago.
Bicentennial Wagon Train Time Capsule
Take for instance the Bicentennial Wagon Train Time Capsule, which held the signatures of 22 Americans, was stolen on July 4, 1976 when President Gerald Ford was present for the sealing ceremony. The capsule was stolen from the holding vehicle and the thieves were never found.
Gramophone Company Time Capsule
Nelli Melba deposited sound recordings on disc behind the foundation stone in 1907 in, Hayes, Middlesex, England. However, when the structure was being renovated in the 1960’s the capsule was placed aside for reburial, however someone ran off with it and it remained a mystery.
The George Washington Cornerstone
In 1793, George Washington, a Mason, performed the Masonic ritual upon the laying of the original cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol. Over the years, the Capitol has undergone extensive “development, remodeling and restoration, but the original George Washington cornerstone has never been found. It is unknown whether there is anything inside of it.”
Time capsules will always intrigue the world. They are a connection to past lives, a part of living history concealed neatly is an airtight space. However, the capsules we seek most are the ones that can never be found, and many people believe there is a reason for that.Things have a way of disappearing when they have the ability to give people a negative glance into our past.
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User Comments
Stacey T Pollock
On July 15, 2009 at 6:20 am
Very interesting article. A very unusual topic to write about, time capsules. I can imagine that people want to restore the past, however maybe some past occurances are better left buried. Whereas some things are great to find, like for instance the egyptian tombs. I enjoyed the movie ‘Knowing’ which incorporated the time capsule idea. It is certainly a fascinating topic.
lindalulu
On July 15, 2009 at 9:15 am
Great article and time capsules are getting ever more popular. My mom died 5 years ago in June and in her casket there was a time capsule. We included a ton of information about her and the family. I found it nice to know that in 100 years if somehow her coffin is revealed the one who explores the casket will find all of her information. This small capsule is located at the end of the casket so it is easily found without opening the casket itself. I guess even the casket companies are cashing in on the time capsule era.
Glynis Smy
On July 15, 2009 at 9:20 am
Very interesting article, Lauren. When my daughter was made headgirl at school, she had to plant a capsule. Nice to know something about our family will be opened in 100 years time in the UK. Maybe I should do one here in Cyprus and link it to the one in the UK
Lauren Axelrod
On July 15, 2009 at 9:34 am
Thanks for the comments ladies. This article came to me in the shower. Hey, you never know where ideas are gonna hit you.
I was especially interested in the crypt cache. What an amazing collection of artifacts. I wouldn’t mind living there now. lol
CHAN LEE PENG
On July 15, 2009 at 9:58 am
Interesting piece though. Time capsule has captured “the past of time” and brought us something “ALIVE” in front of our eyes. But, I’d agree to Stacey that some past occurences be left buried. Great piece, and have my liked it. Thanks.
ken bultman
On July 15, 2009 at 10:01 am
An enjoyable read. I’ve been to both encapsulings and openings. Each exciting events.
Francois Hagnere
On July 15, 2009 at 10:13 am
Great article and very enjoyable read. Very well-illustrated.
Congratulations! The Crypt of Civilization is not well-known on this side of the pond.
Thank you so much, very best wishes,
François
Mark Gordon Brown
On July 15, 2009 at 10:55 am
Why dont we have time capsules of the future?
B Nelson
On July 15, 2009 at 11:08 am
If humanity keeps going the way it is going, nobody will be around in a few thousand years to open those darned things….
we are so smart we are stupid sometimes.
Lauren Axelrod
On July 15, 2009 at 11:26 am
I have to agree with you there B Nelson. It seems that history will repeat itself no matter what we do.
Lostash
On July 15, 2009 at 12:29 pm
I think these are a great idea, and I had no idea about the article content. I hope that someone will be around in a few thousand years to see what a mess we’ve made of things….and lean from it!
James DeVere
On July 15, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Nice work, Lauren. It’s amazing seeing how solid Ancient building were when we build relatively flimsy structures. Also, airplanes from WWII rust fast whilst the paintings from the time are still with us in good condition. You would think hunks of metal would survive.
Ties well with your research . Nice work . j
Bozsi Rose
On July 15, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Really cool article. You come up with the best ideas.
RJ Chamberlain
On July 15, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Lauren, nice work on this one. Great research and well written. Sorry about my long layoff. Keep up the good work.
RJ
Ruby Hawk
On July 15, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Wouldn’t it be interesting to see what they think about us? I’m afraid they will be shocked at how ignorant we are. At that future date they will be so far advanced.
BC Doan
On July 15, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I can see why you want to be a Doctor of Archaeology..It is so fascinating to have a look at the past and to learn the history!
thestickman
On July 15, 2009 at 7:40 pm
I always figured that any good time capsule should include …a Rubik’s Cube. That annoying little piece of multi-color plastic tease-me has been around since what, -the late 1970s and I still have not figured out how it works!
valli
On July 15, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Fascinating read.
Mary Patricia Bird
On July 15, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Great article. I put together a “time capsule” in 2000 to be opened in 2025 but plan to just leave it to be found much later, perhaps after I am gone. My father passed away 3 years ago and my mother sold the house of 42 years last year. Wow! The things she found. I love that she shared them with us.
goodselfme
On July 16, 2009 at 12:40 am
Very well composed with lots of interesting info I learned from your article. TX
Elizabeth Abbott
On July 16, 2009 at 4:44 am
This is very interestingand wellwritten as always.Time capsules are certainly a mystery to unfold! I enjoyed the read.
Scoff
On July 16, 2009 at 6:44 am
If anyone genuinely believes that man kind would have survived to 6939, they are kidding themselves. Religion will destroy us long before that date. Unless of course we can ensure our intellect grows quicker than our “faith”.
Lauren Axelrod
On July 16, 2009 at 8:39 am
Scoff that’s an interesting perspective. I have to agree with because religion has divided the world for centuries, and I do believe that an enormous battle will tear us all apart.
Moses Ingram
On July 16, 2009 at 9:02 am
A very interesting article.
Debra.
On July 16, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Excellent article, Lauren! It’s brilliant to leave part of our time stored and locked up safe for the future generation. You never know just when the next war or natural disaster is coming, which has often destroyed important information of our time now, and before. Love the article and the pics!
Hazel Crowther
On July 17, 2009 at 3:48 am
Very very enjoyable article and lots of work gone into. Thank you.
Rynn Michaelz
On July 17, 2009 at 6:38 am
Nice article Lauren. I haven’t thought about time capsules for years, I remember my class at elementary school preparing and making one, I wonder if it’s still there? Thanks for the memories!
overwings
On July 17, 2009 at 6:50 am
I only wonder if there will be anybody alive to open it in 6939. may be someone coming from another world.
Joe Dorish
On July 17, 2009 at 7:36 am
Great topic Lauren! My school did one of these when I was in 4th grade and they put examples of money in there and of course 3 older kids dug it up and took the money.
Lauren
On July 17, 2009 at 11:49 am
You know I remember my elementary school doing one many moons ago and I think I put a handrawn picture in it. I really don’t know what historians will think about that, other than the fact that someone had an amazing talent drawing stick people. lol
Unofre Pili
On July 17, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Arguably, this is so marvelous of an article. I wish humanity is still around a thousand years later as our greedy ways imperils our existence.
supagold
On July 17, 2009 at 11:28 pm
@scoff
hahaha
You base this belief on what exactly? The fact that religion didn’t exist between the time of the ancient Egyptians and modern man? Oh, wait. That should be the opposite. Hmm. What about the fact that the greatest mass murders in history have been committed by atheistic communist regimes? I guess that’s probably not a big support to your theory…
I say this as someone who’s agnostic, at best – however the only valid point you make is that humanity’s wisdom is far outstripped by it’s technology. Unfortunately, your childish views are just one more symptom of that phenomenon.
salikhana
On July 18, 2009 at 4:42 am
May you spend the rest of your life in a time capsule.
Kairos
On July 18, 2009 at 9:57 am
always educational reads. thanks.
Lucas Dié
On July 18, 2009 at 4:09 pm
fascinating – I wonder when we will find the time capsules the really early cultures left to us (mohenjodaro etc.)? just shows that you can’t plan the finding of a time capsule at a given time (what odd influence Asimov had on science in these days …)
Patrick Bernauw
On July 20, 2009 at 12:53 am
Amazing article… Didn’t know about this, and as you know, Lauren, we share some historical fascinations… So, great stuff, I say! And above all: Keep Going To The Shower!
Judith Dupree
On July 20, 2009 at 3:48 am
I remember when my Sister and I were Children burying a box, it wasnt until reading this that i remembered. I wonder if it was discovered when they built a road through the place we buried it in Lol
Lauren Axelrod
On July 20, 2009 at 10:10 am
Thanks again everyone for the comments
@ Judith
That would be amazing if someone did find it.
@Patrick
Yes, I am taking an vow right now to shower before I ever start writing. lol
@Lucas
I agree with you. The future is still is question, so it’s hard to say what influence these capsules will have.
Francy
On July 21, 2009 at 2:58 pm
great article. Keep it up
Keep sharing.
Chris Stonecipher
On July 26, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Reddit voted up this article.
Tate Morgan
On August 4, 2009 at 12:51 am
I love this
tate
DrJimmy
On August 9, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Interesting read. Three notes from USA:
1. A General Motors car from the late 1950s (either Buick or Pontiac, I don’t recall) was unearthed in Tulsa, OK to celebrate a Time Capsule buried to honor Oklahoma’s 50th anniversary of US Statehood.
The vault had (predictably) been flooded for decades.
2. A Time Capsule had supposedly been buried in the concrete of the Astrodome in Houston, TX during its 1964-65 construction. No one living recalls its location, and several possible locations have since been demolished for renovations. The stadium has stood unused for nearly a decade now, despite its historical significance.
3. (Okay, maybe only 2 & 1/2.) A PVC pipe was loaded up, sealed, and buried as a time capsule in the lawn of the Henderson County (Texas) early spring of 1986. It was an event celebrating the Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of Texas’ independence from Mexico.
Knowing what I do now about PVC piping, I don’t have much hope for the “artifacts” slipped into that “time capsule” as being anything more than liquid pulp when the scheduled unearthing comes about.
I can wish, though. My business card, as a young newspaperman, was one of the last artifacts to go in. It was quickly followed by those of every politician and prominent business-type present for the ceremony.
I’d love to see it again.
Lauren Axelrod
On August 9, 2009 at 8:29 pm
DrJimmy,
That would be amazing if the card was still there. To survive through all the construction and damage. It would be something.
Chris Marlowe II
On August 14, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Read you had LOL.
But don’t forget, Dr. Lauren: the Past IS alive – and not only in Time Capsules.
By the way, are you a Blonde?
Lauren Axelrod
On August 14, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Hi Chris
I can be, although you may want to focus on blondes that color their hair that way because their already naturally stupid.I would not be one of those people.
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