Contents of Paul Revere Time Capsule Revealed

An incredible piece of Boston history was unveiled Tuesday.

A time capsule planted by Paul Revere and Samuel Adams was discovered last month in a cornerstone of the Massachusetts State House as crews repaired a water leak.

Officials at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston opened the capsule Tuesday and discovered five newspapers, a title page, 24 coins, a silver plaque, and a paper impression of the Seal of the Commonwealth.

“This is the most exciting project I’ve ever worked on,” said conservator Pam Hatchfield, who unveiled the capsule’s contents during a media event at the MFA Tuesday. “This is what we as conservators live for.”

The coins included a shilling from 1652. The silver plaque was inscribed twice—once in 1795 and the other in 1855. One of the papers had a large “B” inscribed on it. There was also a copy of ”The Boston Traveler”—priced at two cents.

MFA officials said they will soon put the box back where they found it for future generations.

In October, another time capsule was discovered in a lion statue atop Boston’s Old State House. This time capsule contained newspapers and campaign buttons, among other items.

Photo credit: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

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