An Exercise in Preservation (The Virginia Tech Time Capsule Project)

Abstract

Time capsules, while a ritual in the preservation of community memory, are often at odds with archival practices of preservation. With a representative selection of historical artifacts and the safeguarding of contents being central to all time capsule projects, archivists are commonly asked to participate in their creation and unearthing. This panel session will delve into case studies that reflect the process of selecting and preserving items, the importance of community engagement, and the ethical considerations involved. We will discuss the potential of time capsules to serve as tools for education and outreach, and re-appraise our recognized roles and responsibilities as archivists within a community.