Samuel Adams and Paul Revere time capsule facts for kids
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Cornerstones of the Massachusetts State House containing the time capsule, 2022
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The Samuel Adams and Paul Revere Time Capsule is a special container hidden away for a long time. It's like a secret treasure chest from the past! This capsule is found inside a cornerstone of the Massachusetts State House. A cornerstone is the very first stone laid when a building is being built. People believe this time capsule was buried way back in 1795. It was placed there by two famous American heroes, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. This makes it the oldest known time capsule in the entire United States.
Contents
What is a Time Capsule?
A time capsule is a container filled with items from a certain time. These items are meant to be opened much later. They give future generations a peek into the past. It's like sending a message to the future!
The Famous Time Capsule
This special time capsule is made of metal. It measures about 5.5 inches by 7.5 inches by 1.5 inches. That's about the size of a small book. It weighs around 10 pounds.
Who Buried It?
The time capsule was buried in 1795. It was placed by Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. Samuel Adams was a very important leader during the American Revolution. He later became the Governor of Massachusetts. Paul Revere was a silversmith and a patriot. He is famous for his midnight ride to warn colonists about British soldiers.
When Was It Opened?
This time capsule has been opened a few times since it was first buried. Each time, new items were added. This helps it tell a longer story through history.
The First Opening (1855)
The capsule was first taken out in 1855. This was 60 years after it was first buried. Its contents were carefully cleaned and recorded. More items were added to the capsule at this time. Then, it was sealed up again and put back in its spot.
The Latest Opening (2014-2015)
The capsule was removed again in December 2014. Experts used X-ray machines to look inside it. They could see coins and other items without even opening it!
It was finally opened on January 6, 2015. This happened at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Many people watched this exciting event.
What's Inside?
When the capsule was opened, amazing things were found. It held old newspaper pages from the 1700s. There were also coins, including a very old "pine tree shilling" from 1652.
A silver plate was also inside. Many people think Paul Revere himself engraved this plate. There was also a copper medal showing George Washington. These items were put on display for everyone to see.
Back in the Cornerstone (2015)
The time capsule was resealed on June 17, 2015. It was placed back into the cornerstone of the Massachusetts State House. This was done in a special ceremony.
New items were added for future generations. These included a set of 2015 United States coins. These coins featured presidents like Lyndon B. Johnson and John F. Kennedy. A silver plaque was also added to remember the event.
