BALTIMORE'S WASHINGTON MONUMENT TIME CAPSULE OPENED

Early pictures of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and many artifacts commemorating the centennial of the "Star-Spangled Banner," Baltimore's Washington Monument and other key aspects of American history were revealed Tuesday.

The 1915 Centennial Time Capsule was one of two time capsules discovered during the renovation of Baltimore's Washington Monument, the first to honor George Washington.

The monument's original 1815 cornerstone was found in February with an inner lid carved with names of the monument's original masons and stone cutters. There were also three glass jars stuffed with newspapers and wrapped bundles.

Each jar appears to tell a story.

One jar contained Washington's likeness, a copy of his presidential farewell address, 10 U.S. coins, a medal of Washington and a medal honoring the Duke of Wellington's military campaigns in the Spanish Peninsular Wars.

A second jar contained a 1812 copy of the Bible.

The third jar had July 5 and July 6, 1815, copies of the Federal Gazette. The July 6 paper has a story about the cornerstone being laid.

On top of the jars was a copy of the Declaration of Independence, reprinted in the Federal Gazette on July 3, 1815.

Another party is scheduled for July 4, the bicentennial of the laying of the monument's cornerstone. After the monument is rededicated that day, it will be opened again to the public.

The Maryland Historical Society will also display some of the items starting on July 4.

To read the complete article, see:
History revealed: Baltimore time capsule opened (www.wcvb.com/money/travel/history-revealed-baltimore-time-capsule-opened/33365462)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
1815 TIME CAPSULE AT BALTIMORE'S WASHINGTON MONUMENT (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v18n08a12.html)

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