Article Body
500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, S.D.57501
(605) 773-3212
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 30, 2010
CONTACT: Joe Kafka or Roxy Everson, (605) 773-3212
CAPITOL CENTENNIAL TIME CAPSULE SEALED
PIERRE, S.D. – More than a century ago, a time capsule was sealed in the cornerstone of the South Dakota Capitol. Today, Gov. Mike Rounds presided over the sealing of a 2010 time capsule to commemorate the building’s centennial.
Although it is not practical to view contents of the 1908 time capsule in the Capitol’s large granite cornerstone because it is an integral part of the building, South Dakotans will be able to examine the contents of the 2010 time capsule a century from now.
“We hope the items sealed in this time capsule today are informative and inspirational to our successors 100 years in the future,” Gov. Rounds said. “The South Dakota Capitol truly is a ‘diamond of democracy’ and I believe it will continue to be viewed that way at the 200-year mark and beyond.”
Today (June 30) marks the 100th anniversary of the dedication ceremony for the South Dakota Capitol.
The 2010 time capsule, which is made from marble reclaimed in recent years during renovation of the Capitol, resides in a locked glass display case immediately adjacent to the front doors of the building. It is 47 inches long, 12.5 inches wide and 9.75 inches tall.
Among items placed in the current time capsule is a South Dakota Quarter set from the U.S. Mint; Gov. Rounds’ 2010 State of the State Address; photos with personal messages from state and tribal officeholders; Congressional Record statements honoring the building; several current newspapers; video footage of the 2010 Capitol Centennial Celebration; Gov. Rounds’ Year of Unity Proclamation; a state flag flown at the Capitol; and history books.
Also placed in the time capsule today by Gov. Rounds was a sealed, handwritten letter to whomever is the Governor of South Dakota in 2110. The personal message was placed on top of the other contents and will be the first thing seen when the capsule is opened in 100 years.
Items placed in the 1908 time capsule included coins from 1907, a Bible, government books and documents, newspapers, and Inaugural addresses of Govs. Samuel Elrod and Coe Crawford.
-30-
*Eds/News Directors: Video, audio and photos of this event will be available later this afternoon for downloading at: ftp://ftp.state.sd.us/Tourism/TSD_Video/