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Make a Family Time Capsule
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Step 2:
Decide what to include
Choosing what items to include can be a little like a scene from a science fiction story, as you're now in the position to determine what the future will see from your life. Out of all your possessions and keepsakes, how do you begin to narrow it down to a handful of items that will represent your world? Items you might use include:
Newspapers. Future generations may be fascinated to read news accounts that had an effect on your life. But newspapers are often highly acidic and could quickly deteriorate (as well as contribute to the decay of other items in your capsule). To prevent this, you should photocopy the newspaper onto archival quality paper, which you can find at some photocopy stores or by typing "preservation" or "time capsule supplies" into an Internet search engine. You can also check with your local library or history museum to find the name of a paper conservator who can deacidify the newspaper, although this could get expensive.
Personal writings. You may want to include a diary, a letter, stories, or poems you've composed, or perhaps your predictions of the future. Again, use archival quality paper or consult a paper conservator to make sure these writings endure.
Photographs. Black and white photographs on fiber-based paper will last much longer than color photos. Put each photo in a separate, archival quality photo envelope, which you can get at camera stores, preservation catalogs found on the Internet, or photography museums.
Recordings. It would be great to provide future generations with videotapes of home movies, your favorite feature films, and recordings of your favorite songs, as well as an audio or video message directly from you to them. Keep in mind, though, that tapes and disks will deteriorate over time. For example, when stored at room temperature, magnetic tapes are only designed to last for 25 to 30 years, and CD-ROMs for 50 to 70. Also consider that the equipment to play these things back may not be available when the time capsule is opened, so you may have to include it, too.
Electronic equipment. What would our descendants think of present day computers, calculators, radios, televisions, clocks, and other appliances? If you're thinking of including these types of items, don't forget to also provide instructions on how to use them. Consult with a preservation library or time capsule society to determine if the equipment will endure over time.
Jewelry and clothing. You can buy bags and boxes to help preserve these items. Certain fabrics may last longer than others. For instance, silk may deteriorate. Wool and hair contain sulfur, which may corrode metal objects in the time capsule. Polyester and cotton are more stable fabrics.
Memorabilia. You can also include such items as flags, postage stamps, telephone books, credit cards, seeds, and empty food and drink packages that may include a brand name.
A bank account. Put a passbook to a bank account in your capsule. Even a very small amount of money could multiply through the years, depending on interest rates and if the bank still exists when your descendants find the capsule. Check with a local bank about the feasibility of this idea, and be sure to check that the bank doesn't automatically close accounts that aren't used over a long period of time.
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