WASHINGTON — On May 1, 1995, senior citizens in Rockville stood around a metal capsule, setting prized photographs and cherished memorabilia inside. Twenty-five years later, their sacred possessions are about to be unearthed, vestiges of the past coming back to life.
Terri Hilton has been the manager at the Rockville Senior Center for the last nine years. While she wasn't at the Center when the group originally sealed the capsule, the memories left behind had a lasting impact on her.
Hilton says the metal canister is packed full of emotional artifacts from a large group of Rockville seniors whose hope in the future was memorialized.
"The seniors at the time wanted a way to be remembered, so they decided to get together and make this happen," Hilton said about the capsule. "They were all given little envelopes to put their items in -- everything from messages to loved ones, memorabilia, pins, anything they wanted to pass on or have others see from their time."
After the items were buried, small white slips of paper were given to the seniors as "retrieval tickets", ways for families and friends to collect the items after the capsule was released.
"I have selected items that have great meaning to me and convey my feelings to you," the ticket reads. "When the capsule is opened in the year 2020, this card with its registration number will serve as proof to redeem the envelope."
Hilton said many members of the Rockville community have already stopped by her office and inquired about the tickets.
"We have so many families who have called us about the tickets saying 'I have one of those!' and 'that's what those mean!'" she said about the tickets.
So what happens to those who may have an item inside, but don't have a ticket or lost one? Hilton said not to worry.
"Of course it was a while ago, and we are always going to work with people who may not have those tickets and help," she said.
READ: The instructions and capsule requirements given to the seniors in 1995
For some, the items locked inside are more than just trinkets from long ago -- they're also never-before-seen treasures from family members who have passed on, tangible reflections from another time.
"There are items inside of it [the capsule] that are left behind from seniors who are no longer with us," Hilton said. "So there are family members who are obviously excited to be reunited with them."
Hilton said the excitement of the capsule unearthing might inspire the Center to do another in the future. Until then, those who have a ticket or might know a senior involved with the capsule are encouraged to call the Rockville Senior Center at 240-314-8800 to be added to their unveiling list.
The official unearthing of the capsule will be at the Center on May 5 from 4:30 - 6 p.m. Mementos and trinkets will be shown and returned, as well as wine and cheese being served.
