In Sept. 2014 a 113-year-old time capsule was found inside the head of the historic lion statue on top of the Old State House in Boston.
Then, a second historical time capsule was found in a cornerstone of the Massachusetts State House on Dec. 11, 2014.
The first capsule, dating back to 1901, was found when the golden lion statue was removed for cleaning and contained photographs, newspaper clippings and a book.
After the cleaning the capsule was put back in the lion's head after adding an iPhone 5, letters from journalists covering the event and the most recent edition of the same book found in the 113-year-old capsule.
On Jan. 6, 2014, the 2nd capsule, actually a 5.5x7.5 brass box, was opened by conservators at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and it contained the following:
- 2 dozen centuries old coins
- a medal depicting George Washington
- a silver plate marking the day the capsule was placed - July 4, 1795
- a paper impression of the seal of the Commonwealth
- a title page from the Massachusetts Colony Records
- the front pages from five folded newspapers
Apparently, the 2nd capsule had been previously opened and added to in 1855. At that time the original container - a leather pouch - was replaced by the box.
We think this is all very exciting. We’re not sure if they included any apps with the iPhone 5 but hope so. Someone’s Timebox would certainly add a fun description of everyday life in 2014 and earlier years.
Photographs above of the time capsule found in the cornerstone of the Massachusetts State House building with the contents removed © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.