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A Time Capsule from 1957 Found at MIT Construction Site

By Kanika Gupta | Update Date: Nov 23, 2015 09:21 AM EST

As the construction of new nanotechnology lab at MIT is underway, builders came across a glass capsule that was full of strange items. This time capsule was buried in 1957 by the students of MIT as a dedication to Compton Laboratories. The capsule contains papers and scientific objects. Buried under the ground for 58 years, it was supposed to have remained buried for a longer period of time. As per the plan, this capsule was supposed to stay unearthed until 2957 and was made of glass to sustain this time period, reports Popular Science.

This unexpected relic was hidden underneath the area between buildings 12 and 26. It was buried on June 5th 1957 to commemorate the Compton Laboratories. When it was first discovered, the capsule was thought to be a stray part of a utility system. However, upon further inspection, the members of the staff confirmed that it was a time capsule containing artifacts from the history. According to Deborah Douglas, director of Collections at the MIT museum, said that the time capsule is an interesting discovery and reflects on the MIT's colorful past. She said, "MIT likes to be rational and future-oriented, but this is a remarkably sentimental activity and sweet moment," Douglas says. "I think it reminds us of a community that also likes to mark special occasions and moments", reports Paleo Future.

In the past, time capsules have been really boring. However, MIT's recent discovery of a time capsule filled with memorabilia from the past is very exciting. This capsule was supposed to stay buried until 2957 and MIT will honor that wish by keeping it sealed until that time. The capsule discovered has done remarkably well with regards to its condition that generally turns to mush as a result of elements. Deborah told MIT News, "Remember that this was just four months prior to the launch of Sputnik and the start of the 'Space Race' with the Soviet Union. MIT researchers were focused on developing the technologies of the future and they were excited about the completion of the Compton Laboratories".

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