A Time Capsule can be a wonderful idea for all people who want to commemorate an important occasion. Time Capsules are the way to send our messages to the future, to show those who will live in the 2030s or 2040s what is important for us now. Maybe, just maybe, it is the way to communicate directly with our older selves, to remind us that a long time ago we were young and happy. (Grin)

Materials needed to make a Time Capsule

In order to make a Time Capsule you need a large tin, glue or tape to seal it and, of course, the stuff you want to put in. There shouldn’t be any problem with the first two items. A large tin is easy to get and you can find glue or tape in almost every home. Only the third item is not so easy. It forces you to think and to be creative. If you want to send your message to the future, it should be clear and important, shouldn’t it?

Making the Time Capsule

But let’s start initially with preparing the Capsule. Make sure that the tin is completely empty and dry – moisture will destroy virtually everything if you give it enough time. If it is not damp inside, put all the items you want to send into the future in the tin, seal it with glue or tape and write the date and a small note on the Capsule’s outside. Something along the lines of “The Capsule has been sealed on Jan 1, 2005. Do not open before Jan 1, 2035”. Make sure you’ve written something – you’ll want the people who will find the capsule to know what it really is.

Memorable details for the Capsule

But the main problem is what to put inside a Time Capsule. You can put in anything you want unless it is too big, but here are some tips that can be helpful.

(1) Choose items that mean something to you – otherwise there’s no sense in creating the Time Capsule in the first place! Personal items, like pictures or small toys can contain a lot of emotion. (2) Choose items that are characteristic and/or special for the present time, for example Pokemon cards or toy cars. (3) Don’t put in things that will be necessary for you or your family in near future! Sealing a GameBoy in the Capsule for thirty years might be a good idea, but it will surely drive your parents mad. Be cautious while choosing things you want to send to the future – you may need them now.

Placing your Time Capsule

The last thing you should do is to hide a Time Capsule somewhere. There are a lot of possible solutions, but the best one is to hide it inside a wall or a floor. As soon as you do it, the only thing remaining is to wait next 30 years to see the results.