The Past is Alive in Time Capsules
by 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
Image via Wikipedia
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.”
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Post CommentStacey 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?
Brenda 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.
Chambo
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.
Anonimous
On March 22, 2010 at 8:03 am
Even though I know people from the future won’t care about my life, about who I was and that they won’t ever know anything about me, I would still leave for eternity three things : my writings, a photo with me and the people I love – because love never dies – and a pig- toy which means a lot to me…
carmen
On March 22, 2010 at 8:03 am
Strange things these time capsules, it makes one wonder what one would choose to preserve for so many years and what one would like others to find.
If I were to put three things into a time capsule, I would choose:
1) a notebook of favorite quotes and passages from my favorite books or comic strips, they would be about love, family, religion, ethics, sarcasm….
2) an mp3 player with recordings of myself singing my favorite songs and an address to the people who find the capsule.
3) a bracelet made by me with colorful strings and beads.
What about you?
Renesmee18
On March 22, 2010 at 8:06 am
A very interesting article…hmmm…What I would put in a time capsule? hard to say ….I don’t know if the things that i would put there now …will be the same things that I would put in 10 years later ….but i would choose, as I said before, to put my computer, because i have all my life there : my photos , my favorite books,movies,music,quotes, all of them …maybe I would choose to put some other things that have value for me: an important present from someone loved and things like that…and i need to remember to think about thins subject in the future , 5 years 10 years to see if i would change my decision about the things that i would put there!
anonimous
On March 22, 2010 at 8:06 am
Interesting… now i ask myself…what would i put in a time capsule?.. well..i guess i’d like to let behind me a couple of pictures…pictures of diferent people…of my dearest persons,pictures of nature,places i’ve seen. After that i’d like to put in the time capsule a book of mine,maybe my biography or smth like that..dunno
and an original cd of my favorite music band…that would be pink floyd 
Cecilia
On March 29, 2010 at 8:07 am
The 3 things I would like to put into a time capsule, are not some material things. I would like to put hope, love and freedom, so that people will always have that.
naeD
On March 29, 2010 at 8:10 am
I would put a tube of oxygen in a time capsule, I guess all of you know why I would do that… a letter with my objective point of view about human kind, so people who’d find my time capsule won’t have to guess what was happening in our times and a painting about human kind from my point of view
)
ionutzika
On March 29, 2010 at 8:14 am
hmmmm….what would i put in a time capsule???i think that a world map,a book record(they can compare our performances to theirs)and another book with the greatest invcention of human being from its begining to 21th century.
Miruna
On March 29, 2010 at 8:15 am
What I would put in a time capsule??? well…I don`t know…
I`d put my favorite books,movies,music,pictures…all in one:my computer !!!!
Chrysstyne
On March 29, 2010 at 8:15 am
what will I put in a time capsule? there are many things, but if I’ll think of three of them I would choose: some usual clothes which are in fashion now, my personal diary and some photos with the city.
tavi
On March 29, 2010 at 8:16 am
I would put a steam engine in time capsule because it changed radically the world, a medical invention because they increased lifespan and a plane.
Geany
On March 29, 2010 at 8:19 am
It`s a very interesting article….if I could put 3 things in to a time capsule I guess those things would be:my posters,pictures of me with my family and my dog.
My name
On April 19, 2010 at 3:11 am
The things I would put in a time capsule would be the legendary soccer team Steaua Bucharest because everyone must know what a glourios team they were, a photo of my one true love Larisa Rusu from Satchinez and a bottle of Carlsberg beer, probably the best beer in the World.
Andreea
On April 19, 2010 at 3:12 am
I will put into time capsule my dog,some photos of me and my family and my computer.
Gabi Szofran
On April 19, 2010 at 3:15 am
The 3 things that I want to put in a time capsule are:
1. First car made by Dacia factory in Romania.
2. My favorite folk music.
3. A good old Recas wine.
T Iulian
On April 19, 2010 at 3:15 am
Very interesting article. I knew people planted time capsules but I never knew there are also big, important ones. If I could put 3 thing in a time capsule I would put a cell phone in it’s original box with all the documentation, a copy of MS Windows and a bottle of beer
.
Ralu
On April 19, 2010 at 3:16 am
The most important things that I would like to put into time capsule:a photo album with my family and city,clothes and my favourite movie.
Ioana
On April 19, 2010 at 3:16 am
I’d like to put in a time capsule the one love story that gave me the thrill, Le fabouleux histoire d’Amelie Poulaine, a joker game card and a photo in which the persons appearing have no faces.
Daniela
On April 19, 2010 at 3:17 am
if I had the chance to put 3 things in a time capsule, those would be: one happy meal from McDonald\’s (probably the french fries will be intact in 8 thousand years); seeds of blueberries and my journal.
daniela
On April 19, 2010 at 3:18 am
I like this article.My most important three things are: my family pictures,my memories with my friends and family and my old converse shoes.
Anca R
On April 19, 2010 at 3:19 am
in a time capsule I’d put a note with the word “empty” written on it.
Roxana
On April 19, 2010 at 3:20 am
Interesting article, and useful too. I would put my poems (the good ones), the pictures i took and my little and annoying watch to drive crazy another people too.
adnana
On April 19, 2010 at 3:21 am
Three things that I put into a time capsule are:pictures with me and my sister,my rings and a bottle of Pepsi Twist!!!
Name
On April 19, 2010 at 3:22 am
The 3 things I would like to put into a time capsule are many photos from many places , some chocolates ( Milka , Heidi ) and my phone.
corina
On April 19, 2010 at 3:22 am
The three things that i would like to put into a time capsule are my dreams because are the only ones that will last forever, a photo with my family, and my great memory of all… the moment i was born.
Ana
On April 19, 2010 at 3:23 am
I would like to put 3 things in a time capsule:
1. A photo album containing photos of the biggest cities in the world, photos of people and how they dress and photos of the technology we have today.
2. A computer with movies and recordings
3. A Halloween jack-o-lantern filled with lots of candy
anderka
On April 19, 2010 at 3:25 am
It’s so many things that I want to put in a time capsule…as want to put all life into a time capsule, because I think that each part of life is special and unique…
Daniela
On April 19, 2010 at 3:25 am
if I had the chance to put 3 things in a time capsule, those would be: one happy meal from McDonald’s (probably the french fries will be intact in 8 thousand years); seeds of blueberries and my journal.
andaiulia
On April 19, 2010 at 3:25 am
It`s a very interesting article…I would put into time capsule my clothes, my cosmetics and a bottle of Red’s.
loredana
On April 19, 2010 at 3:25 am
if i could put something in a capsule time …oh… let me think… hard decision… maybe some photos , a bottle of Pepsi Twist Lemon and my cat.
Octavia
On April 19, 2010 at 3:26 am
Nice….what will i put in a time capsule?..interesting question… i think i will choose my family photos, my phone and my favorite book…
Moise Oana
On April 19, 2010 at 3:26 am
I will put into a time capsule a picture with my cats because are so funny and very important for me, a picture with a old car to remember how looked these in past and my diary maybe it`ll become famous .
maria
On April 19, 2010 at 3:26 am
if i could put 3 things in to a time capsule i guess those things would be:a photo public transportation,food and my favorite movie.
lavy
On April 19, 2010 at 3:27 am
what will I put in a time capsule?there are many things,but i put pictures with my village,my family,friends and student life….;)
NitaAlina
On April 19, 2010 at 3:27 am
Is an interesting mode of conservation…In Hungary exists a time capsule in a national park,with objects which represent them. If I had a time capsule of mine i would put an photo album of Retezat,this is one of the natural miracles of the world. Another one is a box with some old dresses and maybe a CD with Romanian music.
Patrick
On April 19, 2010 at 4:45 am
3 things that I want to put in a time capsule: my skates, a pendant with something about romania and a history book.
Dobre Octavia
On April 19, 2010 at 4:48 am
In MY time capsule I would like to put my journals, the Bible, my wedding ring.
Lili C
On April 19, 2010 at 4:51 am
It’s a very interesting article.There are many things to put,but if i could choose three, they would be:my phone,my clothes and some pictures with my family and friends.:D.
violetaflorea
On April 19, 2010 at 4:52 am
It’s a great idea for the ones who want to keep some of the old memories…Interesting to see how things or people changed…as for me I wouldn’t really like to keep anything from my past…I don’t regret anything good or bad….
diana
On April 19, 2010 at 4:53 am
If i had to choose three most important things of my life to put in a time capsule, those would be:
a picture with my family and my friends, my laptop and my favourite chocolate.
andi andreea
On April 19, 2010 at 4:56 am
I never thought I could have my own time capsule, that’s why, now, when I think about it , it seems to me a little bit wired having to pick only three things to conserve… some writings, some drawings that I’ve worked at and maybe a photo representing my happiest moment would be enough…
Roxana Moraru
On April 19, 2010 at 4:57 am
I don’t really know what are the most important things for the world to find in a time capsule but i would put in the following things:
1.a video tape with the most important news
2.a photo from my wedding because it is said to be the happiest day of one’s life and all my dear ones would be with me
3.a CD with today’s records
Alexandra.J
On April 19, 2010 at 4:57 am
If i could create my own time capsule i think it would contain first of all a letter in which i would explain the way that society and people are in my days, some pictures of me and my friends so that the people who would open it would see the way we used to look and dress….and maybe some of my drawings.
ferarumadalina
On April 19, 2010 at 4:58 am
Time is our enemy and if we want to keep a part of our past we should put in a time capsule: a clock, some photos with me and my family and maybe a piece of paper with my thoughts.
draica elena
On April 19, 2010 at 4:59 am
very interesting this article.i will put many things in a time capsule for example:in the first i will put the photo album together my family and my interesting books and second i will put my clothes who use in the past.
Seline
On April 19, 2010 at 5:00 am
This article was different, but in a positive way.
If I had a time capsule I would put a book which contains the history of Romania (photos included), some little stones from the city in which I live in, a DVD of my favorite movie, and a collage with pictures of me and my family/friends.
Laura
On April 19, 2010 at 5:01 am
My journal , maybe that\’s how the world will finally hear me,our romanian chocolate ROM and.. ohhhh…. another journal which will contain the dirty little secrets politicians from all over the world keep.
Rox
On April 19, 2010 at 5:02 am
The 3 things that I want to put in a time capsule are:
1. a note with the word \”LOVE\” written on it
2. my diary
3. an mp3 player with my favorite music (rap & hip-hop)
Marius
On April 19, 2010 at 5:02 am
If i had to choose from 3 different things to put in a time capsule those would be : my bracelet, my computer & a photo with my second girlfriend.
LiviuB
On April 19, 2010 at 5:02 am
It\\\’s hard to pick 3 things, but I will put in to a time capsule a photo with my favourite place, my life story and a cd with my favourite music.
Ayda
On April 19, 2010 at 5:03 am
If i could put something in a time capsule i think i will choose pictures with my family, with my friends, something pink
and my little puppy 
. And finally i will put many clothes and my mp3 player…
D.ADELINA
On April 19, 2010 at 5:03 am
Really interesting article,but i don\’t know which are the three things that i would put in a time capsule….maybe i would choose my biography,pictures with me and my family and ice-cream to remember the sweet days that i have.
Nico
On April 19, 2010 at 5:03 am
The three most importance things that i want to put in a time capsule are: some photos with my family and my friends, my dreams and hopes because are the only things that will last forever and my cell phone.
geanina
On April 19, 2010 at 5:04 am
i would put photos from Greece and with the ones that i love, my thoughts about life and a CD with my favorite songs.
Mihaela
On April 19, 2010 at 5:04 am
3 things i would like to put in a time capsule…
-a photo album with my family an my friends;
-my favorite book;
-a journal that contains my thoughts about the world.
Eunice
On April 19, 2010 at 5:05 am
I’m strongly convinced mankind won’t survive until the 6000’s, not even 2500. If so, technology will have grown so much, that nobody would be interested in our current “digital era”. Anyway, since fabrics and other perishable personal issues don’t stand to time erosion, I’d put a hard disk drive that should contain any relevant information about myself and, maybe, my vintage watch and an old fragrance.
Mihaela
On April 19, 2010 at 5:05 am
I would love to have a time capsule because in this way all the things that are important for me and represent parts of my life can be preserved and maybe discovered by somebody. The three most important things that I will put in a time capsule are: photos with my family, my first doll and a CD with my favourite music because in this way all my memories will be safe.
luke
On September 28, 2010 at 10:06 pm
i have
labarinth
On September 28, 2010 at 10:44 pm
i would turn my own coffin into a time capsule it would be like a half bered tomb made with veered materials mainly plastics and or stone. inside i will have my self oviaslly and ass much info about 20 century life as posable .then i would have the inside filled with salt to praserve it all then the ingraved tomb will be incased in some jurable plastic about 3 foot thick with ingravings on that telling peaple what it is and half beary the intire thing . thatway hopfally 1000 + some or something will find it and i dont mean a little bit of info i mean every think man has achieved all music news science religions wars ect…. i know it sounds weard but i have had this idea since i was 7 or 8 when i whent on a school trip to london museum an sore some mummys preseved in somewhat the same way ,.weard maybe but it beats turning to dust?