Instructions for How to Make a Time Capsule

Time capsules are a fun way for kids, or anyone, to leave something by which future generations can remember us. They're also great for digging up later to enjoy yourselves. Most people bury time capsules at the beginning of a particular year but you can bury one anytime.

Where you bury the time capsule is up to you but it needs to be somewhere safe. Don't let very many people in on the secret - you won't be happy if you go to dig it up and someone already has. Great places for burying one is in your own backyard or that of a friend or neighbor, in the woods, under poured concrete or other secret locations. Make sure that you own the land or have permission to bury your capsule there.

The container for the time capsule can be big or small. Plastic tubs with lids that have been sealed, PVC pipe at least 6" in diameter, or other containers of plastic, metal or rubber, make the best containers. A 55 gallon drum is another suitable container. The time capsule can also be a series of containers, buried in the same location.

The best way to prepare for making a time capsule is to make a list of items you'd like to preserve. Doing this over a period of months will assure that you don't overlook something you'd really like to add. Jot things down on the list, as you think of them, then when you think you have listed as many items as the container will hold, it's time to start filling it.

There are millions of choices for things to put in the time capsule. Think of things that are unique to the era or time period such as best-selling books, toys, newspapers, magazines, event ticket stubs or reviews, money with current and old dates, cartoon strips, a picture of the president and his family, popular clothing, shoes or fashion magazines, grocery ads, fast food ads and other memorabilia.