When Washington celebrated its centennial in 1989, the state recruited hundreds of 10-year-old children from across Washington to act as “Keepers” of the Centennial Time Capsule that was created that year, when the first of 16 capsules in the main vault was filled.
Now, those 1989 Capsule Keepers are trying to find a new generation of children to take on this responsibility when Washington observes its 125th anniversary in November.
“Our state’s 125th anniversary is a special event, and a big part of it is opening the Centennial Time Capsule vault and filling the 2014 time capsule,” said Secretary of State Kim Wyman.
“We’re looking for kids who will turn 10 years old around Nov. 11 to serve as our next generation of Capsule Keepers,” she said. “It’s a great honor, and we hope many eligible kids in Washington step up and apply so they can be part of our state’s special anniversary.”
Any child living in Washington who was born from Nov. 4 to Nov. 18 in 2004 (inclusive) is eligible to become a Keeper of the Capsule.
Children of 1989 Keepers also are eligible to become the next generation of Capsule Keepers.
Children interested must have a parent or guardian complete a registration form. (A form is available at http://1.usa.gov/1kq2bHY.) Registration forms must be completed and returned by Oct. 21. Parent or guardian permission is required.
The next generation of Capsule Keepers will be introduced and officially sworn in during a ceremony at the State Capitol in Olympia on Nov. 11, the state’s 125th anniversary.
During the anniversary event, the Centennial Time Capsule will be opened.
The capsule is located in a 3,000-pound green safe at the south entrance of the Capitol. The safe contains 16 individual stainless steel time capsules that will be filled with new items every 25 years.
All of the capsules will be opened in 2389, Washington’s 500th anniversary.
The Keepers’ primary responsibility is to remind the state (through the Office of Secretary of State) of the existence and location of the official Centennial Time Capsule in 2039, 25 years from now. This is when new material will be added to the capsule.
For more information on becoming a Capsule Keeper, contact Erica Gordon, Keeper & Watcher Recruitment, at erica_mortensen@hotmail.com.
More information is available at www.capsulekeepers.org, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/WACapsuleKeepers) or on Twitter (@WACapsuleKeeper).
