Time capsules are a part of history, and they are wildly popular among the rich and important. What many people do not realize is that creating a time capsule for your family can be a very fun and rewarding experience as well. All it takes is a little creativity and a plan to create a family time capsule that can continue giving for generations. Here is how to do it step by step:
1. Go to a hardware store and purchase a small safe that is large enough to store some keepsakes. The safe should be a decent one, or else you will find that the contents will be ruined. It needs to be waterproof and airtight if possible so that the outdoors elements will not ruin the contents.
2. Sit down with your family and explain what you are doing. Let them know that you are making a time capsule, that will be buried on your property, and then dug up and passed on when your children marry. Explain why family history is important, and that some thought should be put into what is included.
3. Write a time capsule log for your initial ceremony. This should be a record of who is involved, their names and ages, and what life is like at that time. This should be included inside the time capsule.
4. Get a copy of the most recent newspaper for the time capsule. Also, write down the most popular things going on at the time in music, books, culture, and any other areas of interest.
5. Each family member should pick one thing that they find important to include in the time capsule. This might be a favorite toy, a broken watch, or even a lock of hair for those that want something more personal. Each thing should be in a airtight bag with an explanation of what it is.
6. Once you have the time capsule filled with those things that you want to put in, then you should take it and bury it on your property. It should only be dug up for two reasons. You move to a new property, or your kids have their own kids. When this happens, you should dig up the time capsule and relocate it in their yard. This should be a ceremony attended by all that are still alive in the family time capsule. It can be loads of fun.
7. Keep a logbook of your time capsule that you do not bury and that you also pass along as the time capsule changes hands. This should include all the things that are included within the time capsule.
A time capsule is simply a snap shot of history, so what better way to capture your history with your kids? After several generations the time capsule will begin to be quite historical, and the kids will love learning about their ancestors as well.
