Dos and don'ts
We have some Do's to start you off with:
✔︎ Do use cotton gloves when handling all items so the acids in your skin oils do not
contaminate the contents.
✔︎ Do include manufactured products which are ideally suited for time capsules: power
tools, watches, calculators, etc.
✔︎ Do retain detailed records of the items that you place in the time capsule
✔︎ Do mention the reason for the capsule, who contributed to it and who was present at
the burial, and list the materials and colours of the items
✔︎ Do list as much information as possible to help future conservationists identify the
items inside. Make two copies, one to include in the capsule and one in safe keeping.
✔︎ Do separate contents by using polyethylene bags or boxes
✔︎ Do thoroughly clean and dry all contents before insertion
✔︎ Do include information how they were produced and on what equipment
✔︎ Do identify in some way the location of your time capsule
And, we recommend that you Don't:
✘ Don't fold documents or papers sharply
✘ Don't seal polyethylene bags.
✘ Don't include batteries from any electrical devices.
✘ Don't include thermally produced facsimile or scanner/plotter papers.
✘ Don't include food, candy, or food products as these may carry bacteria or moisture.
✘ Don't include staples, paper clips or rubber bands. They can corrode or leave a residue on your preserved items.
✘ Don't use poly vinyl acetate (PVAC) or poly vinyl chloride (PVC) shrink wrap or cling type films as protective wrappers.