OKLAHOMA FIELD ADVISORY SERVICE: TECHNICAL BULLETIN 5 A program of the Oklahoma Museums Association and the Oklahoma Historical Society

TIME CAPSULES: PRESERVING THE PRESENT FOR THE FUTURE

Bill Bryans Department of History, Oklahoma State University Payne County Historical Society

Introduction array of materials—stainless steel, aluminum, lished pizzeria, and randomly selected It seems a basic human urge to leave for copper, or even polyethylene pipe. daily logs from the hospital, police depart­ posterity something which conveys a sense Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), however, should ment, and fire department are but a sample of who we are and what is important to us. be avoided since it will eventually begin to of such material. Black-and-white Photograph albums, bibles, birth certifi­ decay and emit harmful acids and gases. At photographs of the county's central busi­ cates, marriage licenses, favorite old cloth­ least two companies manufacture time cap­ ness districts (compared to color, the least ing, and a host of mementos often serve sules, as indicated at the end of this bul­ likely to suffer deterioration over time) this function for families. For communities, letin. Containers may also be locally made, provided a pictorial record of the 1989 however, the task is more difficult. Our ideally by professional machinists or built environment for the future. present-mindedness and the sheer volume welders. Whether purchased from a Perhaps most notably, the Society of potential material results in routinely dis­ manufacturer or individually fabricated, the decided not to prepare oral history tapes, carding many objects which promise to pro­ capsule must meet three physical criteria. primarily because it remained uncertain vide insights about ourselves to future First, it must be constructed of a chemically whether magnetic tapes would retain their generations. Fortunately, historical anniver­ inert or highly stable material so the vessel fidelity after 100 years. Besides, it is also saries tend to awaken not only an apprecia­ itself will not ultimately damage the con­ conceivable that an ordinary cassette player tion of the past, but also the realization that tents. Second, it should have as few seams may not be available in the future, except what happens today is tomorrow's history. as possible in order to prevent the harmful as a museum piece. If audio or videotapes Consequently, time capsules are often part introduction of oxygen and moisture. Third, are part of a time capsule, it is best to in­ of a historical celebration. This certainly for similar reasons, it should be capable of clude a player if at all possible. Instead, the was the case for the Payne County Histori­ being sealed airtight. Society asked approximately 100 county cal Society, which prepared a capsule as The Payne County Historical Society residents, representing a wide socio­ part of the 1889 Land Run centennial. What chose a commercially produced stainless economic spectrum, to record on acid-free follows is some practical advice based on steel time capsule. This state-of-the-art con­ paper who they are, their present concerns, that experience. tainer included a valve which enabled the and their hopes and fears for the future. oxygen inside to be replaced with inert Such an approach offered several benefits. Getting Started argon gas. Be forewarned, however, that By asking individuals to record their im­ this can be expensive. The Society's pressions on paper, a greater number of As in most things, planning is essential. 40"X14"X12" capsule cost about $2,000. residents were able to participate than The preparation and placement of a time Nevertheless, it seemed a sound investment would have been the case with time-con­ capsule raises many questions, all of which toward assuring that the contents would suming oral interviews. Also, allowing con­ require simultaneous consideration. What survive intact until the capsule was opened tributors to do this privately hopefully should be placed in it? Why? How long in 2089. resulted in candid responses which will will it remain sealed? How should the con­ provide meaningful insights to those who tents be prepared for enclosure? Where What to Put In It eventually open the capsule and read them. should the capsule be placed? How will Furthermore, the use of acid-free paper those in the future know where it is and Deciding what to place inside a time cap­ rather than magnetic tape seemed the best when to open it? sule presents a most intriguing challenge. method to assure these important contribu­ Nearly a year before burying its time After all, how do you convey in a very tions would survive. Finally, the entire pro­ capsule, the Payne County Historical limited space the meaning of a community cedure allowed us to gather a great deal of Society formed a committee to direct the or institution? What is it you want the fu­ information in a very time and cost effi­ project and address these very questions. ture to know about you, and what items cient manner. While the answers sometimes changed, care­ will impart this message? Obviously, the answers will vary according to the reasons ful deliberation from the very start proved Preparing the Contents and Capsule invaluable. behind the time capsule, as well as its size. In undertaking a time capsule, the Whatever the contents, they must be Payne County Historical Society wanted to prepared for prolonged storage in the time Selecting a Time Capsule present an accurate picture of what ordi­ capsule without significant deterioration. Choosing the actual vessel is fundamen­ nary life in Stillwater and Payne County Basically, this involves employing the best tal to success, since it largely determines was like in 1989 to area residents one preservation techniques feasible. Librarians the environment in which the contents will hundred years into the future. Thus, all con­ and museum curators can be extremely remain for a prolonged period of time. A tents had to have a direct link either to the helpful in this task because they routinely capsule should be large enough to store the city or county; those with state or national deal with arresting the ravages of time on desired materials loosely. This minimizes associations were excluded. A decision was paper and objects. Even if such expertise is potential damage from items pressed also made very early to avoid obvious ob­ not readily available, some common-sense together too tightly, while also providing jects which would probably survive into the steps—based on the Payne County Histori­ some protection against possible chemical next century without the benefit of a time cal Society's experience—follow. permeation should an item break or capsule. These included the newspapers, If at all possible, paper used in record­ deteriorate once the container is sealed. In directories, and lists of public officials or­ ing information and enclosed in the cap­ most cases, a rectangular or square vessel is dinarily available at most local libraries and sule should be acid-free and placed in preferable. Cylinders usually require that government offices. acid-free folders. Any acidic papers should paper contents be rolled, whereas they Instead, items which were unique to the likewise be put into acid-free folders. If should be laid flat to ease stress on the community or captured its essence were newspaper items are to be included, fibers. sought. A t-shirt from a well-known bar photocopy them on to acid-free paper. Ob­ Time capsules come in a surprising and restaurant, the menu from a long-estab­ jects may be wrapped in acid-free tissue MuseNews 20:3 July 1990

5 is to be opened. "Considerations for the Construction of paper as well. This minimizes the migration a Time Capsule." Andover, MA: Northeast of harmful acids and other chemicals Opening a Time Capsule Document Conservation Center, 1987.* should they come into contact with one In addition to initiating a time capsule, MacLeish, A. Bruce. The Care of Anti­ another. Photographs, preferably black-and- the Payne County Historical Society also ques and Historical Collections. 2nd ed., white, should be enclosed in Mylar for opened one during the 1889 Land Run cen­ rev. Nashville: American Association for similar reasons. All these preservation sup­ tennial. When the county courthouse was State and Local History, 1985.** plies are commercially available; company dedicated in 1917, officials entombed a cop­ "Preservation of Paper in Time Cap­ names and addresses can be obtained by per box containing various articles in its sules." Information Sheets #364 A & B. contacting the Oklahoma Field Advisory cornerstone. However, they left no instruc­ Washington, DC: Conservation Analytical Service office (405-521-2491). tions on when it should be opened, so the Laboratory, Smithsonian Institution, 1980.* The contents should not be packed too centennial seemed the most opportune Ritzenthaler, Mary Lynn. Administration tightly when filling the capsule. To prevent time to do so. Immediately, the Society of Photographic Collections. Chicago: damaging folds and creases, lay paper decided to proceed cautiously and sought Society of American Archivists, 1984. See items flat. Objects should be situated to advice from both the Oklahoma Historical Chapter 5, "Preservation of Photographic prevent abrupt shifting. An alkali com­ Society and the Oklahoma Museums As­ Materials." pound or silica gel placed inside will fur­ sociation. Their joint Field Advisory Service "To Condition Silica Gel." Information ther neutralize acidity and oxidation once provided invaluable assistance which Sheets 190 A & B. Washington, DC: Con­ the capsule is closed. When finally sealing guided the entire procedure. servation Analytical Laboratory, Smith­ the vessel, take care to secure the lid tightly Once located, the box was removed sonian Institution, 1982.* in order to make it as airtight and from the cornerstone several days prior to *Information Sheets from the Smith­ waterproof as possible. If the capsule al­ opening. This allowed a gradual exchange sonian Institution and the Northeast Docu­ lows the oxygen inside to be removed, as of air within the container. Abrupt environ­ ment Conservation Center are available did the Payne County Historical Society's, mental changes can be extremely harmful from the Oklahoma Field Advisory Service do so only to about 2 pounds atmosphere. to materials enclosed for a prolonged Office. Creating a vacuum may cause the container period of time. When the box was carefully **Available through the Oklahoma Field to collapse. Replace the oxygen with an pried open, the person removing the con­ Advisory Service Reference Library. inert gas such as argon. Once the capsule is tents wore white cotton gloves in order to sealed, carefully transport it to the site prevent damage from contact with skin oils. where it will be placed. Inside were mostly paper items, including newspaper and stationery, most of which Where to Put a Time Capsule exhibited advanced deterioration. Wherever Where to place the sealed time capsule necessary, papers were left folded and Some Sources for Archival and poses an interesting dilemma, for the site placed on acid-free paper. Picture postcards Preservation Supplies must meet two contradictory criteria. First, were placed in Mylar, and a trowel was it should provide protection against van­ wrapped in white cotton cloth. The local Conservation Materials LTD dalism, theft, and the elements. At the same museum eventually displayed the box and 240 Freeport Blvd. time, the location needs to be sufficiently its contents, but only after subjecting them Box 2884 well-known that it can be found when the to further preservation techniques and Sparks, NV 89431 time to open it arrives. As recent news ar­ giving them several weeks to adjust to their 702/331-0582 ticles reveal, the locales of a surprising num­ exposure. ber of capsules have been forgotten over Conservation Resources the years. Conclusion International, Inc. Walls, cornerstones, and the ground Undertaking a time capsule can be an ex­ 8000-H Forbes Place have been the most popular locations for citing part of a historical celebration. Judg­ Springfield, VA 22151 time capsules. The first two offer the ad­ ing by the crowds which witnessed both 1-800-634-6932 vantages of a relatively dry environment, the opening of the copper box and the whereas water is always a concern in the placement of the new time capsule in The Hollinger Corporation latter. If burial is chosen, the site should be Payne County, it is also a very popular ac­ 3810 S. Four Mile Run Dr. one unlikely to be distrurbed during the tivity. Yet, actually preparing a time capsule Arlington, VA 22206 capsule's lifetime. It also should be placed offers many challenges and requires consid­ 1-800-634-0491 below the freeze line to prevent damage erable forethought. This bulletin, hopefully, from the seasonal heaving of the soil. A will help those who undertake this reward­ Light Impressions local agricultural extension agent, or master ing endeavor. P.O. Box 3012 gardener, should be able to provide such in­ 439 Monroe Ave. formation. For added protection, the cap­ Rochester, NY 14607 sule may also be placed in a burial vault. Time Capsule Manufacturers 1-800-828-6216 Assuring that future generations will know where the time capsule is, and when Time Capsules, Inc. P.O. Box 5008 Talas it should be opened, can be accomplished 213 W. 35th St. in several ways. The Payne County Histori­ Richmond, VA 23220 (804) 355-1721 New York, NY 10001 cal Society, which buried its capsule (below 212/736-7744 the freeze-line and in a burial vault), also erected an inscribed granite bench over its American Aluminum Company 230 Sheffield Street University Products, Inc. county courthouse lawn location. Marking 517 Main St. is also highly desirable for walls and Mountainside, NJ 07092 (201) 233-3500 Holyoke, MA 01040 cornerstones since future renovations could 1-800-628-1912 endanger the capsule. Some organizations have simply relied on their written records, a technique which dangerously presumes Bibliography that they will remain in existence when the Acid-Neutralizing Papers." Information capsule is to be opened. The State of Sheet #374. Washington, DC: Conserva­ Washington recently entrusted a corps of tion Analytical Laboratory, Smithsonian In­ school children as keepers of the statehood stitution, 1982.* centennial time capsule to be opened in 50 Cleveland, Marjorie W. "Time Capsule years. Whatever means employed, the Construction and Contents." Washington, originators of a time capsule have an obliga­ DC: Conservation Analytical Laboratory, tion to leave behind an accurate and clear Smithsonian Institution, 1988.* indication of both its location and when it

6