Watson Library Centennial time capsule to be displayed, archived

LAWRENCE — KU Libraries’ archivists and conservators specialize in making historical materials accessible to the researchers of today — but with the creation of a Watson Library Centennial time capsule, they hope to speak directly to KU students and scholars of the future.  

In closing the libraries’ fall lineup of programs and events marking the centennial of Watson Library, the time capsule’s contents will be displayed at a reception 3-4 p.m. Nov. 20 in Spencer Research Library’s North Gallery. The event serves as a celebratory transfer of the materials to University Archives. Later, those items will be housed in a specially selected archival box that will be tucked within the shelves of the library.  

“Spencer is almost a time capsule you can open every day,” said Beth Whittaker, director of the Spencer library. “Our collections are full of primary sources that offer direct perspectives through documents or artifacts from the people who experienced places, times or events firsthand. Holding the time capsule at Spencer feels like a perfect fit.”  

Spencer Research Library houses a wide range of unique and historical materials including medieval manuscripts, rare maps, personal letters and diaries, scrapbooks from the beginnings of the university and ephemera from everyday life. KU Libraries work to ensure every item on Spencer’s shelves is accessible as part of special collections and university archives, but unlike those thousands of items, the Centennial time capsule won’t be accessed or opened for 100 years.  

KU Libraries conservators Whitney Baker and Angela Andres will house and arrange the materials with an eye on offering Jayhawks in 100 years a glimpse into the life and culture of today. 

 “A successful time capsule project includes an archival storage container, a safe storage area and carefully chosen contents,” said Baker, head of conservation services. “We hope to ensure that the items included in the time capsule will be in fine condition in 100 years.” 

The materials included in the time capsule have been gathered throughout the fall semester as celebrations of the Watson centennial occurred in various modes. Contributions from students, university departments and library supporters were compiled by the libraries’ Board of Advocates and Office of Communications and Advancement. 

“As we planned to celebrate Watson’s 100-year anniversary, our team found it fascinating to dive into the University Archives and piece together the stories of KU’s campus and library back in 1924,” said Christy McWard, executive director of KU Libraries Office of Communications & Advancement. “By creating a time capsule of sorts, we hope that in another 100 years, the university’s future students, librarians and leaders will be able to look into this relatively small box and discover a slice of campus life in 2024.” 

Reception attendees can view the materials and hear from KU libraries conservators and archivists about the process of preservation. For more about Watson Library’s 100-year history, visit the centennial webpage.