Speculation abounded Thursday morning when a time capsule was thought to be hidden in the cornerstone of the Massachusetts State House. On Friday, we received confirmation of the capsule’s existence and plans for its restoration and renovation.
Construction was done on the Southeast corner of the Beacon Hill building during the course of investigating water infiltration. The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and the Secretary of State’s Office together helped facilitate the removal of the cornerstone and the time capsule.
According to Meghan Kelly, deputy communications director at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance, the time capsule is now at the Museum of Fine Arts, where BostInno reported staffers will provide conservation consultation.
“They expect to x-ray the contents Sunday,” Kelly told me. “After that time the next steps will be more clear. We so hope to have an event to show the contents.”
She also added that this particular time capsule, dating back to 1795 when ground broke on Boston architect Charles Bulfinch’s creation, is believed to be the oldest in the state.
The time capsule was unearthed once before, in 1855 when emergency repairs were conducted on the building, and more items were placed inside at this time to commemorate its reinstatement in the cornerstone. Coins, dating back as far as 1652, are thought to be included inside, as well as “an engraved silver plate, newspapers, seal of the Commonwealth, cards, and title page from the Massachusetts Colony Records,” added Kelly.
Massachusetts Secretary William Galvin told ABC News that he’s unsure of the condition of the items, because in 1855 some were treated in hopes of enduring New England’s fickle weather.
“We know that some of the items were washed with acid in 1855 because of the humidity. We don’t know if that caused deterioration. We are still hopeful that the contents are in good condition,” Galvin said. “It’s hard work. Back then they probably had a horse and buggy transport that cornerstone and it is still solid today.”
All of these were placed inside by Sam Adams, renowned patriot and then-governor, along with his friends Paul Revere and William Scollay.
