A 100-Year-Old Time Capsule Opened by Bomb Squad: Unearthing Artifacts from WWI

In an unusual event that combined history with high-stakes caution, the Kansas City Police Department’s bomb squad was called to open a time capsule sealed in 1924. This historic capsule was buried a century ago at Kansas City’s Liberty Memorial, now known as the National World War I Museum and Memorial, to preserve the memories and memorabilia from that pivotal time. Inside, artifacts offered a glimpse into a bygone era and served as a poignant reminder of the impact of World War I on American society.

The Origins of the Liberty Memorial Time Capsule

The Liberty Memorial, built as a tribute to those who served in World War I, was dedicated in 1921 in Kansas City, Missouri. As part of the memorial’s construction, museum curators and historians included a time capsule that was placed in 1924 with the intent to be opened in 2024. It was meant to carry forward the voices, records, and memories from a time when the world had just endured the “war to end all wars,” capturing artifacts for the benefit of future generations.

Inside the capsule, the curators placed letters from President Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, as well as letters from the commanders of the Allied Forces. They included newspapers from that era, capturing headlines and stories that conveyed the social and political mood of the post-war years. Another significant item was a copy of the 1917 declaration of war that formally marked America’s entry into World War I. Perhaps one of the most fascinating inclusions was a reel of early 1920s film, a fragile yet powerful representation of the cultural moment.

Why the Bomb Squad Was Needed

As the time came to open the capsule, museum officials realized the film inside was made from nitrate, a material used in early film production that has a hazardous characteristic: it becomes highly flammable and potentially explosive as it deteriorates. Nitrate film, popular during the early days of cinema, has a chemical composition that can ignite spontaneously when exposed to oxygen after years of decomposition. To handle this risky task, the Kansas City Police Department’s bomb and arson unit was called in to assist in carefully unsealing the capsule in a controlled environment.

Under the supervision of explosive experts, the capsule was carefully removed from the Liberty Memorial and taken to a secure location where the potential danger could be minimized. While the threat of an explosion or fire was real, the process went off without a hitch, much to the relief of museum staff and historians. Fortunately, nothing exploded or caught fire, and the contents of the time capsule were successfully preserved.

Discovering the Artifacts

When the capsule was unsealed, it revealed 15 distinct artifacts, each carrying a slice of history. The letters from President Coolidge and Allied commanders conveyed the sentiments of leaders who had witnessed the first global war’s devastating impact. These documents provided a firsthand account of the aspirations and fears of those responsible for guiding their nations through the aftermath of the war.

The newspapers were another fascinating inclusion, capturing a range of stories from post-war society. They highlighted the mood of a time marked by both relief and reflection, as nations grappled with the costs of war and worked toward rebuilding. The headlines preserved in the time capsule were reminders of the era’s uncertainty and the societal shifts that followed the Great War.

Perhaps the most intriguing item in the capsule was the reel of nitrate film, a piece of early 20th-century cinematography. This film reel likely contained scenes from the period or a short film, offering a glimpse into the artistic expression and entertainment of the time. Although nitrate film can no longer be projected due to its explosive nature, modern digital methods may enable historians to safely preserve its contents.

A Glimpse into the Past

Opening this century-old time capsule provided a powerful moment for historians and the public alike, reminding us of the sacrifices and struggles of the World War I generation. Each item in the capsule served as a bridge to the past, offering a tangible connection to the people who lived through one of the most challenging times in modern history. It also highlighted how far we have come in terms of historical preservation and technology, with the ability to safely handle and analyze fragile, potentially hazardous materials that would have been much harder to access and protect a hundred years ago.

The discovery and preservation of this time capsule also underscore the importance of such historical projects. Time capsules like this one allow us to preserve not only historical artifacts but also the emotions, stories, and legacies of different eras. They bring the past to life in ways that text alone cannot, allowing people to see, touch, and feel history.

Looking Forward: A New Time Capsule

Inspired by this unveiling, the National World War I Museum and Memorial is preparing to create a new time capsule to be sealed in 2026. This new capsule will carry forward the legacy of the Liberty Memorial, offering future generations a window into our own time. Museum curators are currently gathering ideas from the public and the historical community, selecting objects that best represent the current era and its significant events, challenges, and achievements.

The items chosen for the new capsule will reflect the progress and transformations of the past century, encapsulating everything from technological advancements to the societal and cultural shifts of the 21st century. As the world continues to change, this new capsule will serve as a future link to our present, just as the 1924 capsule connected us to the World War I era.

Conclusion

The opening of the Liberty Memorial time capsule has not only provided valuable insights into the World War I era but also highlighted the advancements in preservation techniques and historical documentation. The presence of nitrate film, a material now considered highly dangerous, added a layer of excitement and caution to the event, showcasing the challenges of handling century-old artifacts.

For historians, museum curators, and the general public, this moment served as a reminder of the power of memory and preservation. As we look to the future, the new time capsule set for 2026 promises to carry forward this legacy, ensuring that a hundred years from now, future generations will have their own opportunity to uncover and celebrate the stories of our time.