Dec 6th, 1848, Washington Monument

Time capsules are buried in the Washington Monument. They offer a fascinating snapshot of American life and culture at the time they were sealed. They provide insights into the values, priorities, and even the everyday objects that were considered important enough to preserve for future generations. So what is in there? How about: 

The 1848 Cornerstone Capsule:

• An engraved silver plate depicting Washington resigning his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.
• A Bible printed by William Fry in Philadelphia in 1782.
• A copy of Washington's Farewell Address printed on satin.
• A silk American flag measuring 10 inches by 14 inches.
• Several U.S. coins minted between 1792 and 1846.
• Medals commemorating various historical events, including the Battle of New Orleans and the death of John Quincy Adams.
• Personal items belonging to prominent figures, such as a lock of Martha Washington's hair and a piece of John Quincy Adams's clothing.

The 1915 Centennial Time Capsule:

• An early photograph of the Declaration of Independence.
• Newspapers from Baltimore published on the day the capsule was sealed, including German-language and African-American publications.
• Commemorative items related to the 100th anniversaries of the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
• Souvenirs from the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco.
• Scientific and technological artifacts such as a light bulb, a phonograph record, and a motion picture camera.
• A letter from President Woodrow Wilson to the people of the future.

It's important to note that the contents of the capsules were not chosen randomly. Committees of prominent citizens carefully selected items that they believed would be of interest to future Americans.