Pack and Seal the Container, Place and Remember Your Time Capsule
Pack the container
Keep the time capsule container and all the items, labels and packing materials in the same well air-conditioned environment for several days. This allows the materials to dry and reach the same temperatures prior to packing. Any absorbent materials, such as textiles, will need to be completely dry before placing in the capsule.
Place the heaviest items at the bottom.
Pad well around breakable items such as glass jars.
Fill empty spaces with crumpled acid-free paper to prevent shifting.
Place silica gel or other desiccant materials in the container to help absorb excess moisture for the duration. New, well-dried, acid-free blotting paper is another option, but do not allow it sit out for too long, as it will absorb moisture from the air.
Seal the container
Some time capsule companies offer the additional services of removing the oxygen from the time capsules that they sell and replacing it with nitrogen or argon gas. This can greatly increase the chances of the contents lasting for 100 years or more.
For extra protection, you can place the time capsule inside another container. Fill the space between the time capsule and the outer container with wax (but NOT bee’s wax) to act as a moisture barrier.
Place and remember your time capsule
Hold a ceremony to place the capsule in its selected location and mark it with a descriptive plaque. Invite the media and take lots of pictures!
Remember the capsule by holding annual ceremonies or gatherings.
Finally, register your time capsule with the International Time Capsule Society:
International Time Capsule Society
Oglethorpe University
4484 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30319
