A look inside Baltimore's Washington Monument time capsules
BALTIMORE - Two time capsules discovered during the restoration of Baltimore's 200-year-old Washington Monument were opened Tuesday morning.
Old coins and a bible were among the items found inside, as well as a copy of the Declaration of Independence reprinted in the Federal Gazette, reports CBS Baltimore. The time capsules were located in a 1815 cornerstone that was uncovered.
"I think it was a very exciting find, what we got out of the cornerstone. We found on top of one of the jars a copy of the Declaration of Independence printed in the Federal Gazette the day the cornerstone was laid," Lance Humphries, of the Mt. Vernon Place Conservatory, told the station.
The cornerstone was discovered by George Wilk of Lewis Contractors.
"It was utter disbelief. With historic properties, there's always a feeling you're going to find something. When you find a copper box that you know was put there for a reason, it's just one of those moments you just know," Wilk told the station.
Dozens of artifacts were also found in the capsules.
"It shows how important the monument is to the city and the nation. It's the first symbol of American democracy, the first major monument celebrating American independence. It's pretty special to have it right here in Baltimore," said Humphries.
The monument will reopen and be rededicated on July 4 during a day-long event in Mt. Vernon Place.
The celebration will also include a naturalization ceremony where 40 people will become U.S. citizens, reports the station.