Governor Ralph Northam is inviting citizens of Virginia to submit items for a new time capsule that will be buried on Monument Avenue in Richmond where a statue of Robert E. Lee is scheduled to be removed soon. The new time capsule will replace an 134-year-old old time capsule that is embedded in the pedestal foundation of the statue.
“It’s time to say to the world, this is today’s Virginia, not yesterday’s,” Governor Northam announced in a statement on June 22. “One day, when future generations look back at this moment, they will be able to learn about the inclusive, welcoming commonwealth that we are building together. I encourage Virginians to be part of this unique effort to tell our shared story.”
Roughly 60 objects from more than 30 residents, organizations, and businesses are believed to be in the old time capsule, which is believed to have been placed in the statue’s pedestal on October 27, 1887.
Individuals interested in participating in the new time capsule project should submit a description of their item, including its size, material, and an explanation of the object and how it represents Virginia. Submissions are being collected through Tuesday, July 20. For more information, visit www.governor.virginia.gov/timecapsule.