Buried Treasure: 1941 Time Capsule Discovered in Indiana

Uncovering a time capsule is like finding a buried treasure. It offers a glimpse into the past and preserving moments that were meant to be rediscovered by future generations.

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A time capsule from 1941 was unearthed at Indiana Dunes National Park in Porter, Indiana. A contractor discovered the sealed copper box, heavily oxidized, hidden in the foundation of the lodge at Good Fellow Youth Camp.

The national park announced the find on their Facebook page.

Good Fellow Youth Camp operated as a summer camp for the children of U.S. Steel Company employees from 1941 to 1976. The National Park Service (NPS) acquired the site in 1976. While workers restored the lodge, they uncovered the time capsule behind the last stone laid during the building’s original construction.

When park rangers opened the box, they found a 48-star American flag wrapped in tar-infused paper. Along with the flag, the capsule contained several documents: a memorandum, a speech, a deed, and newspaper articles.

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Indiana Dunes National Park plans to display the time capsule’s contents to the public, allowing visitors to see this chapter in the park’s history.