See "Inside the Box: Massachusetts State House Time Capsule" for days and viewing times of the time capsule contents on view at the MFA before they are reburied this spring.

In December 2014, MFA conservator Pamela Hatchfield (Robert P. and Carol T. Henderson Head of Objects Conservation) spent seven hours excavating a time capsule found below the Massachusetts State House, originally placed by Governor Samuel Adams, patriot Paul Revere and Colonel William Scollay in 1795.

On January 6, 2015, the MFA and Commonwealth of Massachusetts opened the capsule. The contents, originally placed under the State House cornerstone by Governor Samuel Adams, patriot Paul Revere, and Colonel William Scollay in 1795, were revealed:

• Silver and copper coins—dating from 1652 to 1855
• Silver plaque
• Copper medal depicting George Washington
• Newspapers
• Paper impression of the Seal of the Commonwealth
• Calling or business cards
• Title page from the Massachusetts Colony Records

See "Inside the Box: Massachusetts State House Time Capsule" for days and viewing times of the time capsule contents. On view at the MFA before they are reburied this spring.

Press Release

Get more information on the January 6, 2015 press conference. See the press release.

In the News

1/1/15 The Boston Globe "Opening of Adams and Revere time capsule"

1/6/15 ABC Nightly News "Instant Index: See What Was Unveiled When the Oldest American Time Capsule Was Opened in Boston"

1/6/15 CNN "1795 time capsule opened, centuries after Revere and Adams buried it"

1/6/15 The Takeaway "Inside the Founding Fathers' Time Capsule"

1/7/15 CBS This Morning "Unearthing History"

1/7/15 The Guardian "Sam Adams and Paul Revere's time capsule opened in Boston, 220 years later"

1/7/15 History "Contents of Boston Time Capsule Buried by Samuel Adams and Paul Revere Unveiled"