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The 1990 edition of the Guinness Book of World
Records called the Crypt of Civilization at
Oglethorpe University "...the first successful
attempt to bury a record for any future
inhabitants..."
In the November 1936 issue of Scientific
American magazine, Dr. Thornwell Jacobs
described his plan to create a permanent record
- a time capsule - of what life was like on
Earth for any future inhabitants.
Because the first known date in recorded history,
4241 B.C., was 6177 years previous, Jacobs
suggested that the Crypt be sealed until 6177
years have passed - thus setting the date for
the Crypt's reopening in the year 8113.
The Crypt was officially sealed in 1940.
Oglethorpe University is proud to be the
custodian of the Crypt. Oglethorpe's
administration continues its stewardship and
the challenge of keeping alive the memory of
this remarkable Georgia time capsule.
The Crypt of Civilization has been featured
in stories by the Associated Press, NBC, ABC,
CNN, National Public Radio, the New York Times,
and other publications. If you are a
member of the press and would like further
information about the Crypt or are interested
in scheduling an interview, please contact
Oglethorpe University's Public Relations office.
Time Capsules:
Supplemental Reading Material
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