Richmond Time Capsule: Second capsule found under the pedestal of the Robert E. Lee statue
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A copper box was found under the pedestal, “below ground level in a very humid area,” department director Julie Langan said, adding that it was “too early to know if any water had seeped into the box “.
The box weighs 36 pounds, Langan said. It measures 13.5 inches by 13.5 inches by 7.5 inches.
“X-rays give first glimpse of the time capsule: Experts believe there could be Civil War coins, books, buttons and even ammunition,” he tweeted.
The capsule was taken to the Department of Historic Resources conservation lab where curators began to assess it, Langan said. “Then we’ll try to figure out how the box is sealed and if the seal has been broken. “
The Richmond Bomb Squad was first consulted to ensure it could be opened safely.
Langan said two paper conservators will be in attendance when the box is opened.
“This is a second time capsule and probably the one that is known to have been placed in the pedestal,†Langan said. “The one recovered last week was unexpected and probably left behind by men involved in the construction.”
The first time capsule was found in Lee’s pedestal
The first capsule was found in the pedestal tower, about 20 feet above ground level. Among the items found inside the lead container were an 1875 almanac, two withered books, a coin, and a cloth envelope.
The state plans to store the pedestal until authorities decide what to do with the partial monument.
CNN’s David Williams, Sharif Paget and Sara Smart contributed to this report.
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