Make your own time capsule, inspired by the exhibition A History of the World in 100 Objects from the British Museum and other objects at the National Museum of Australia.
Make your own time capsule
A time capsule is like leaving evidence of your history for the future. Everyday objects tell a lot about ourselves and the times in which we live. Imagine looking back into a time capsule in 10, 50, 100 or even 1000 years!
Make your own time capsule
4:35
Skill level: ★★ Moderate – you may need an adult to help
Time: 60 minutes
What you need:
- a strong, sealable, watertight container (a cardboard container will last for less time than a glass jar or plastic container, so think about how long it needs to last)
- small objects you have selected to represent yourself
- pens, pencils and paper if you want to draw your objects or write a message or letter
- camera to photograph your objects, or a photo of you (printed out or on a USB stick)
- soap, modelling clay, wood or soapstone if you want to include an amulet.
Think about:
- Yourself! How would you like to be remembered?
- When will you open your time capsule? This could be a few months or years.
- How things might change from today to the future? Will we speak the same language? How will we get around?
- A few small, special objects that sum up who you are. They might be related to your family, friends, hobbies or pets. You can include these actual objects in your capsule or capture them in a drawing or photograph.
Jack’s time capsule includes his lucky dice, shells from a favourite holiday, a letter to his future self, a fish carved in soap and a drawing of his house.
Ideas for your time capsule
- Take a photo of yourself and date it, to show how you look on the day you make your capsule.
- Write some basic facts about yourself: name, height, weight, shoe size.
- Write your future self a letter or print and answer the questions on the template below.
- Draw your favourite place. Is it a tree house, your bedroom or a holiday destination?
- Make an amulet. These small charms have been made throughout history by many cultures. They can be worn, carried or kept to provide protection, wellbeing or good luck. We carved amulets out of soap. You can also use modelling clay, wood or soapstone.
- Decorate your container with pens, paints or markers. Make sure you write the date you made your time capsule and the date you want to open it.
Share your creation
We’d love to see your creation by emailing us a photo to: programs@nma.gov.au