100-year-old Museum Time Capsule Found Spoiled
Pittsburgh officials were hoping for a grand unveiling of a century-old time capsule over the weekend, but they say both the capsule and their plans were spoiled.
The copper container was removed from the cornerstone of the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Oakland last week. But inside, officials found 11 cents in change, two lead soldiers, a tattered silk flag - and rotted news pulp, Confederate currency and photographs.
Officials say the lid of the cornerstone was apparently never soldered shut, so moisture got in. Museum curator Mike Kraus says it ``looked like a mummified alien in there.''
Officials plan to try to save what they can, and next year they will entomb a new and improved capsule to be opened by Pittsburghers of the early 22nd century.