Q&A for How to Create a Time Capsule

Write something heartfelt, and what it was like when you were her age, or like her. Write something you think she would like, and things that you like right now. Maybe you would want to write down some of your favourite recipes and then she would be able to have recipes for her kids if she ever get to have any. Tell her about your way of life right now and the things you've achieved in life and still hope to achieve. Offer her words of wisdom for when she reaches your age now.

No, if anything that would protect the capsule, as well as provide a sturdy container for the items

Try putting in some things that are currently popular or new. This includes things like electronics, music, news paper clippings, small accessories, coins, etc. You don't want to put something in that you bought a decade ago.

If you wish to bury your time capsule, it should not be buried too far below ground (6"-1') and if it is buried, you should leave something to remind people where it is.

Put your capsule in a durable, sturdy box made of plastic if you are going to bury it. If you aren't going to bury it, any nice container will do.

Aside from the value of its raw components, it will be as valuable to future generations as it is to you right now.

Yes, that should preserve the box well.

I guess you could, but your items won't be preserved for very long underground if you intend to bury the bag.

I think that just using regular paper would be fine, but you could also use card stock or folded paper to make it more durable. And for the ink, I would recommend a fine tip pen because if the ink were to spread over time, it would still look as if it has just been written.

Yes, of course!

It really depends on the material you use to make the box. Different materials can only last so long when placed underground. For example, cardboard will eventually degrade since it's not too durable, meaning you can't expect to bury it for a long time. On the other hand, stainless steel is durable and has many qualities that allow it to go without rust or degradation, making it a better choice for a longer period of time.

A good name for a time capsule is: "[your name]'s Time Capsule, Don't Open Until [date intended to open]."

A glass jar might not be the best container, since it may be broken and is relatively small. But it might work if you store it in a safe spot. I wouldn't seal it with crazy glue since it may not be able to be opened in the future.

Yes, of course.

As long as it's sealed and buried it should be fine. For extra support, cover it in tape.

Ask your parents or guardians for help. If you have much older siblings, maybe they can help as well.

I gave mine to my parents, and that worked out just fine. They held it until my birthday.

Time capsules are simply meant to give us a peek at the past. It's like traveling back in time. Whether it'd be you in 10 years or a stranger in 200, time capsules show what life used to be like.

You could use an airtight box, which can be easily found online.

You can put whatever you would like into the time capsule, including paper money.

Definitely, but I would suggest that if you do that, you also leave something like a map of other time capsules to make the discovery more treasure-hunt like and interesting.

Yes, that would work well. Just make sure you seal the plastic bags before you seal your container.

Sure, as long as you write down detailed instructions so you don't forget where it is.

Of course, it would be a great idea to include some of your family history in your time capsule. In fact, it's perfect if you are making a time capsule for your kids, grandkids, etc. to open.

If what you're putting in the time capsule fits in the jar, go for it! However, it is better to use a box if you want to fit in more items.

That's fine. Stick to cheap things, such as hard candy/gum, a newspaper, photos, a letter, a stuffed animal, etc.

Photos of you all as a group, mementos such as ribbons/awards/good marks you’ve gotten at school, letters to your future selves, things like tickets to movies you’ve seen or strips from a photo booth, things that represent your interests (i.e. art you’ve made, a tennis ball from a match, etc.).

Make sure the box is fully sealed, and protect paper items by storing them in plastic to prevent any water/bug damage. You can pick up plastic document protectors inexpensively at a store that sells office products.

Yes, if you take measures to preserve everything and make sure it won’t be dug up early.

Your current aspirations for the future (professional and personal), your current interests and friends, what sort of person you think you are and will turn out to be.