Time Capsules: A Family Time Machine

Think of a time capsule as a message in a bottle sent forward in time to a future self -- messages in the capsule tell our "tomorrow self" what we think is important today.

In Ithaca, New York, one family had a tradition of birthday time capsules. It was started by the grandfather on the birth of his grandson. Every birthday, the grandfather would write a letter to be opened ten years later. Each letter was placed in a small cigar box with a few trinkets or objects that he figured would be of use or interest to the grandchild.

The letters ran to several pages and the grandfather talked of his hopes and dreams for his grandchild, told stories from the family history, and would challenge the grandchild to do something special for someone in his life during the year the letter was finally opened. One year, the grandchild was instructed to build a birdhouse for his mother. Another year, the grandchild was asked to plant a small flower garden by moonlight as a surprise gift to a friend who was sad.

The grandfather died just before the child's eleventh birthday but the time capsules and letters continued to arrive each birthday for the next decade.

Time Capsule Activity
Here are some suggestions for what to include in your time capsule. Feel free to improvise or add to the list.

1. The capsule should be a small water-proof plastic container large enough to hold whatever is included. Wrap it with lots of tape and layers of newspaper to discourage the sneak peek before its due date.

2. On the outside of the time capsule print clearly the date it should be opened.

3. Store the capsule in a dry place and "forget" about it. Attics are best. A top shelf in a little used closet is next best.

4. Include letters to a future self and bits of family news that otherwise might be forgotten. It's fun to make predictions of what life will be like for you and your family in the future. You can also use these time capsule informational letters: for younger kids and the older kids.

5. Include snapshots or photos you think might otherwise be lost or forgotten.

6. Do not include computer disks in capsules sent forward more than a year or two into the future. Floppy disks have a shelf life of only one to two years before the data becomes garbled.

7. Newspapers, drawings, or a favorite baseball card, are all good candidates for your capsule.

Enjoy. Happy time traveling!

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