U.S. History Unravels in Boston As 1795 Time Capsule Is Unveiled
History unraveled in Boston when a time capsule buried in 1795 by Samuel Adams, one of the founding fathers of the U.S., and silversmith Paul Revere was revealed to the public.
The time capsule contained five newspapers, one folded title page, one silver plaque, 24 coins and one impression of the Seal of the Commonwealth.
It was originally buried by Adams, Revere and Colonel William Scolay in 1795 under the cornerstone of the Massachusetts State House.
The time capsule was unveiled to the public at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts with Governor Deval Patrick, Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin, and Malcolm Rogers, the MFA's Ann and Graham Gund Director in attendance.
It was previously discovered in 1855, the contents of which were documented and other items were added.
Last summer the time capsule was discovered by engineering firm Simpson Gumpertz & Heger during a water infiltration project, according to the museum.
The time capsule, placed in a brass container, measured 5.5 x 7.5 x 1.5 inches and weighed 10 pounds.
The museum said the container had silver and copper coins dating back from 1652 to 1855, silver plaque believed to be engraved by Revere, copper medal depicting George Washington, newspapers, paper impression of the Seal of the Commonwealth, calling cards and title page of the Massachusetts Colony Records.
Museum conservators Pam Hatchfield, Robert Henderson and Carol Henderson spent seven hours last December to excavate the capsule using chisels, hammers, metal probes, shaft drill and drill bits.
The time capsule was brought to the museum and was examined by conservators and engineers.
Through an x-ray, the time capsule was found to contain the coins, silver plaque and paper.
The box and the eight screws were found to be made of brass through x-ray fluorescence.
Hatchfield removed the bulk plaster from the surface of the box and cleaned the screw heads so that the box could be opened.
The contents of the time capsule will be displayed at the museum for the public to see. The time capsule will eventually be reburied under the State House.
