What do you want archaeologists of the future to "dig up" about our lives today?
Gov. Jay Nixon is inviting Missourians to answer that question by suggesting items to be included in a time capsule, to be placed next month in honor the 100th anniversary of the Missouri State Capitol cornerstone.
The time capsule will include items representing Missouri government, technology, sports and culture; it will remain sealed until the 200th anniversary of the Capitol.
"This is a unique opportunity to give future generations of Missourians a window into how we live now, and the many reasons the Missouri of 2015 is a great place to live, work and play," Nixon said. "I encourage all Missourians to help us commemorate this historic occasion and make their mark on history by weighing in on what the new time capsule should contain."
The deadline is June 20 to submit ideas online at Mo.gov/TimeCapsule or on Twitter using #MoTimeCapsule. People whose submissions are chosen will have their names placed with the items. In the event of multiple nominations, the name of the first person to nominate an item will prevail.
The contents for the new time capsule will be announced at a commemoration ceremony at 1 p.m. July 3 on the south Capitol steps, when the governor also unveils the contents of the original time capsule placed in 1915.
According to records, the time capsule includes copies our newspaper and editions from St. Louis and Kansas City, a history of Missouri and a copy of the state constitutional amendment authorizing the construction of the new Capitol, among other items.
Joining the governor for the commemoration ceremony will be: Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City; Missouri Supreme Court Judge George W. Draper III; Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin; Missouri historian Bob Priddy; and members of the A.F. & A.M and the M.W. Prince Hall F. & A.M. Masonic Grand Lodges.
Funding for construction of the existing Capitol was approved in 1911, and the building was completed in 1917.
Lawmakers in the recent session approved $40 million in bonds for Capitol repairs and renovations, and Nixon last week signed the capital improvements.
We consistently have supported efforts to protect and preserve our historic Capitol.
At the centennial celebration, history will reveal more stories from 1915, as well as what we will leave to be uncovered in 2115.