By — Colleen Shalby Colleen Shalby Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/219-year-old-time-capsule-paul-revere-sam-adams Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter What was is in that 219-year-old time capsule from Paul Revere and Sam Adams? Nation Jan 7, 2015 5:12 PM EDT The contents of the #MFATimeCapsule pic.twitter.com/qet1Jc6iDE — Museum of Fine Arts (@mfaboston) January 7, 2015 Last month, Museum of Fine Arts conservator Pam Hatchfield excavated a 219-year-old time capsule that Paul Revere and then-Governor Samuel Adams buried under the Massachusetts State House in 1795. Rumors circulated about what exactly was inside that box — which had last been discovered in 1855 — but the items remained unknown until yesterday. The reveal took place at the Museum of Fine Arts in front of a large portrait of George Washington where Hatchfield carefully removed each delicate item. Conservator Pam Hatchfield and Mass. Archives Director Michael Comeau at work opening the #MFATimeCapsule pic.twitter.com/N5LATOblQC — Museum of Fine Arts (@mfaboston) January 6, 2015 All in all, the brass box contained: 5 newspapers, including a copy a two-cent priced “Boston Traveller.” One paper impression of the Seal of the Commonwealth. 24 coins, including a silver three-cent that, according to Executive Director of Massachusetts Archives Michael Comeau, was hoarded during the Civil War. A silver Paul Revere-inscribed plaque. The time capsule will be on display before it’s reburied under the State House. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Colleen Shalby Colleen Shalby @CShalby
The contents of the #MFATimeCapsule pic.twitter.com/qet1Jc6iDE — Museum of Fine Arts (@mfaboston) January 7, 2015 Last month, Museum of Fine Arts conservator Pam Hatchfield excavated a 219-year-old time capsule that Paul Revere and then-Governor Samuel Adams buried under the Massachusetts State House in 1795. Rumors circulated about what exactly was inside that box — which had last been discovered in 1855 — but the items remained unknown until yesterday. The reveal took place at the Museum of Fine Arts in front of a large portrait of George Washington where Hatchfield carefully removed each delicate item. Conservator Pam Hatchfield and Mass. Archives Director Michael Comeau at work opening the #MFATimeCapsule pic.twitter.com/N5LATOblQC — Museum of Fine Arts (@mfaboston) January 6, 2015 All in all, the brass box contained: 5 newspapers, including a copy a two-cent priced “Boston Traveller.” One paper impression of the Seal of the Commonwealth. 24 coins, including a silver three-cent that, according to Executive Director of Massachusetts Archives Michael Comeau, was hoarded during the Civil War. A silver Paul Revere-inscribed plaque. The time capsule will be on display before it’s reburied under the State House. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now