Time Capsule Ceremony

In the past 100 years, dozens of organizations in Balboa Park have inaugurated their groundbreakings, anniversaries, and office parties by stuffing objects in containers for future publics. Yet, the most common response associated with opening these vessels is a disappointment, time capsule expert Nicholas Yablon tells us. What does this dual relationship of memorializing and disappointment say about our culture? To ring in Parkeology Season II, we explored our urge to commemorate in response to the inevitable march of time.

Perhaps time capsules would have more value if opened by generations closer to their creators. Following this theory, we unveiled a 1999 time capsule from the Y2K era of the San Diego Park and Recreation Administration. Park Ranger Kim Duclo officiated the unsealing, accompanied by the San Diego High School Drumline. Time Capsule expert Nicholas Yablon provided insight into the affair. The evening concluded with an open forum anti-time capsule campfire.