Time Capsule Opened in Hutchinson Kansas - 100 Years After Cornerstone Laid by President Taft

On this date 100 years ago, in 1911, a time capsule was put inside the cornerstone of what is now called Memorial Hall in Hutchinson, Kansas. On that day, President Taft was present to speak at the event that drew 40,000 people.

Listen to Reno County Museum Chief Curator Jamin Landavazo talk with me about what they found today.

Not as many people were in attendance today, but an actor playing the late president reenacted the event when the cornerstone time capsule was placed.

Then, the box was opened in a public ceremony and residents got to see contents as the Reno County Museum Curator, Jamin Landavazo, (in the blue) was pulling them out of the copper container. They immediately placed them under protective material and allowed people to come close and look at them.

Everything was in remarkable condition. Contents included newspapers, coins, stamps, a Bible, postcards, a flag, and the President’s flag. Also were some items they didn’t expect, including some handwriting on cards they assume to be people who created the box. The mystery item is an envelope that says M L Grimes with some handwriting on it.

I asked Jamin about her reaction to what she found in the box, as well as plans for the new time capsule that will be created next spring. You can listen by clicking the button below.