Kansas City Reveals Contents of Century-Old Time Capsule

Time capsules are unpredictable, and the unveiling of one buried a century ago inside a prominent World War I memorial in the nation was no exception.

The primary challenge was accessing the time capsule, entombed in a towering structure that reaches 217 feet into the Kansas City skyline, capped with a large flame.

Crews had to drill through 18 inches of concrete and limestone, as described by Christopher Warren, the chief curator of the National World War I Museum and Memorial, during the reveal on Wednesday.

“It was a difficult task. There was no simple door to open and retrieve the time capsule,” he stated.

Another issue arose when it was discovered that the time capsule contained 1920s-era film made of nitrate, which can be highly flammable as it deteriorates over time. As a precaution, the police department bomb squad was present during the initial opening of the time capsule.

“Fortunately, nothing ignited, which was ideal for preservation. It may not have been as exciting as a potential explosion,” Warren remarked.

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Before an audience, which included school children, the contents were displayed, meticulously reviewed beforehand. A notable item was a letter from President Calvin Coolidge, commending the community spirit. The memorial, built in an Egyptian Revival style, symbolized postwar patriotism after swiftly raising $2.5 million in 1919, equivalent to around $45 million today.

The monumental achievement drew Allied commanders from various nations like Belgium, Great Britain, Italy, France, and the U.S. in 1921 to consecrate the site where the time capsule was interred three years later. Situated near the Kansas City train station where most U.S. troops transited before deployment overseas, a museum now resides below.

During the public unveiling, surprises were revealed, including an initial reading of a handwritten message believed to be from Gen. John J. Pershing, the commander of American forces in World War I.

However, things didn’t go as anticipated. The note revealed that the time capsule committee had reached out to Pershing without a response, substituting with excerpts from his 1921 dedication speech.

“Ladies and gentlemen, do you know what this is? This is a century-old out-of-office note,” Warren joked. “General Pershing is currently away but will reply to your email upon his return. That’s alright. He remains an American hero.”

Museum officials promptly began preparations for a new time capsule.

By Heather Hollingsworth