How to create

your own
Time Capsule

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A Time Capsule is a low-tech time machine

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Step

Plan the project

Before you start constructing a time capsule or even deciding what to put in it, spend
some time to plan the project. You should ask yourself(ves) four questions which will
guide you through the process:

Who is your audience? (who is the time capsule addressed to?)

What do you want to say?
Where will the capsule be placed when closed?
When will the capsule be opened?

After considering these questions you will find it easier to choose items that meet the aims
of the project as well as items that are most likely to survive intact until the capsule is
recovered in the future.

Step

things to put in the capsule

The most suitable items to include in a time capsule are those that are not likely to be
affected by changes in technology, or those which do not require special equipment to be
read or used.
All items should be made of inert durable materials. If this is uncertain,
plan to isolate individual contents within the capsule by packaging
materials separately in polyethylene bag.

Check the list at the end of this booklet to get inspired.

Check the bag to be sure that the plastic is made of polyethylene only.
Learn more on how to preserve and pack your items:
http://www.mnhs.org/preserve/conservation/docs_pdfs/GUIDELINESFORSELECTINGANDPRESERV
INGITEMSINATIMECAPSULE090710.pdf
http://www.mnhs.org/preserve/conservation/reports/timecapsule.pdf

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Step

choose the container

Three main factors will dictate which container to choose:

the quantity of items

how long it has to last
where it will be kept

If you are planning to store your time capsule inside (at home, in a garage,...) a
shoebox, bin, or old suitcase might be quite adequate.
If you plan to place the time capsule outdoors or bury the time capsule, you will have to
choose a container that is strong, waterproof and chemically stable.
If you are thinking about burying the time capsule you should know that:

Copper alloy or high alloy stainless steel are suitable

capsule materials for long-term burial.

Suitable capsule materials for short term

burial are high-density polyethylene bottles or
glass jars.

A secondary container is a practical way of providing a moisture barrier against both the
capsule and its contents from environmental changes.

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Step

choose a site

To bury or not to bury your time capsule, that is the question.

Not burying it makes it easier to keep all items in perfect state. No water or big changes in
temperature will help preserve the time capsule and all its contents. However, temptation
can be strong and you or the person who finds it may not be able to wait till the fixed date
to be opened. Hiding places will include a closet, in a chest of drawers, behind a row of
books on a book case, in a garage cupboard, etc.
If you prefer not to have it at home, you can always think of hiding it in an above ground
site. A cave, a hollow rock or log in a natural shelter would make a perfect site, too.
If the time capsule is to be buried, place it in well-drained soil with no ground water.
Choose a site that can be expected to remain undisturbed, but mark it so that it will not
be overlooked or forgotten in the future.

Step

label, seal and locate your time capsule

Label items in the capsule using a card and permanent ink. Write an explanation of what
the item is and what is it used for. Attach labels to items using linen cord, polyester or
nylon cord such as fishing line.
Seal the lid of the time capsule. This is done best with a high quality epoxy glue.
Finally, label or mark the time capsule with both the actual date and the date it is meant
to be opened. (you can use the label at the end of this booklet)
As part of ensuring the success of a time capsule project, arrange for succession planning.
If the time capsule is for personal use and not to be hidden for a long time, choose an
opening date with personal significance, such as your birthday, a child's birthday, etc.
However, if the time capsule is going to outlast you, make sure that those who 'inherit' the
capsule are aware of its existence and location. Record the date and whereabouts in a
journal. Place a plaque or marker if you have hidden or buried the time capsule, indicating
where it can be found. If placed outside, above or underground, take photographs of your
placement, identify GPS coordinates, and write down all data important for re-locating the
precise location.
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Checklist taken and adapted from : http://www.timecapsule.com/ideaschecklist-what-to-put-in-a-time-capsule/

__ Interior and exterior shots of your home
__ Photos of you in your favourite daily clothes
From the Special Day:
__ A local / national daily newspaper
__ A videotape of the local nightly news

__ Photos of your car(s)

__ Photos of your workplace/School
__ Vacation or fun-time photos

__ A television guide

With Video/DVD camera:

__ An entertainment magazine

__ A video tour of your home

__ Special interest magazines

__ A video tour of your work

Throughout the year:

__ A video tour of your daily life

__ A Predictions for the Future session with

__ Newspaper front pages with major headlines

friends in front of the camera

__ Ticket stubs (concerts, movies, sporting

__ Family history interviews

events, etc.)

__ Video Messages to the Future

__ Trading cards (or other collectibles)

__ A list of popular expressions (slang)

From TV on VCR/DVD:

__ A popular toy or doll

__ Popular or favourite TV shows

__ A sample of product packaging (empty Coke

__ Major sporting events

can, etc.)

__ Major news events

__ An extended family tree

__ Music videos

__ A floor plan of your home

__ Awards programs

__ A popular CD or taped radio show (top-10

__ Popular cartoons

music hits)
__ A copy of a future-oriented magazine

On audiotape or CD:

__ Your favourite magazine

__ Top-10 music hits

__ A menu from a favourite restaurant

__ 45 or 90 minutes of radio programming

__ Items from your job or school (business card,

__ Audio Messages to the Future

etc.)
__ Year-in-review issues of magazines or
newspapers

Catalogues and Brochures:

__ A fashion catalogue

Photographs:

__ A general merchandise catalogue

__ A new car brochure or ad

__ The exterior of a gas station (including price

__ Travel brochures

board)
__ Downtown or suburban skyline and storefronts

Daily documents:

__ A succession of cars travelling down the street

__ Advertising billboards

__ A receipt from the grocery store

__ Scenes from your neighbourhood

__ A pay check stub or utility bills

__ The outside of your favourite restaurant

__ A copy of a tax return

__ Movie theatre marquee with movies listed

__ A copy of a credit card bill

__ Anything that you think is likely to change

__ A voided personal check

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Letters to the Future (to and/or from

__ Babys first photo

others):

__ Souvenir birth certificate

__ From any member of your family

__ Sibling drawings or messages

__ From your friends or classmates

__ From yourself to the future reader
For Wedding Time Capsule:
For Babys Time Capsule:

__ Items/records from planning wedding

__ Babys and Moms I.D. bracelets

__ Cake top

__ Babys name card

__ Wedding cards

__ New baby cards and letters

__ Items from honeymoon

__ Babys first outfit

Interesting and useful resources

International Time Capsule Society (ITCS).
http://crypt.oglethorpe.edu/international-time-capsule-society/
Register your time capsule with the International Time Capsule Society.
https://oglethorpe.wufoo.com/forms/m22teql1t6tp2p/

Label

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 Merc Ballabriga

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