What is a Time Capsule

What is a time capsule? A time capsule is a collection of items stored in such a way that they will be used as a mode of communication with people from the future and whose purpose is to aid future historians, anthropologists or archaeologists in the collection and documentation of history. They are created and buried with the intent of them being accessed or opened at a future date. Learn more about how to preserve memories and history with a time capsule, by reading more of our blogs.

The main significance of time capsules is posterity or preservation of history or memories in cases of personal ones intended for discovery by family members.

Making A Time Capsule

They can be as simple as a shoe box with forgotten, or reserved items, but seeing as they might need to last for long periods of time you will need a stronger container such as one made from stainless steel. You should also make sure it has a good seal.

Making a time capsule that will be opened at a future date can be quite an exciting and adventurous undertaking for you and whoever will come to uncover it again.

Select things that will add the aspect of discovery and an element of surprise for whoever will open your historic stash.

First, you’ll choose how long you want your time capsule to last by considering whom you’ll want opening it be it your family lineage or historians.

Decide where you’ll store it. As opposed to popular belief, it may not be good to bury it given several factors such as damage from the elements, loss or even forgetting where it was buried.

Depending on how much stuff you’ll want to preserve, where you’ll store it and how long you’ll want it to last, it is important to choose a secure, durable, sealable and weatherproof container.

Collect the objects you’ll preserve and here is where the fun is because you can choose almost anything but it will have to be a reflection of the present and what is unique about it. Consider letters, journals, newspapers or magazines, currency, photographs and many others, the possibilities are almost endless! You can also write a
personal note describing the capsule or the time in which it was created.

Remind yourself and/or others of where it is and when you want it to be opened for example, indicate at the end of your calendar if you keep one, when the capsule must be opened. Put a marker or plaque if it is buried or hidden or even record its whereabouts and the date in a journal. If it is a personal time capsule select a date that is significant to you for opening such as an anniversary or a birthday. You can also indicate details about the capsule in your will. If it is intended for access decades or more after its original placement, ensure various people know about its whereabouts.

Finally, seal and store the time capsule for the chosen duration of time. The amount of time does not need to be great for your time capsule to achieve its purpose, even 5 years can come with great changes.

What would you put in your time capsule? Comment below.

Making Milestone Moments Count,

– Marcie