A renovation and restoration project at the Binnenhof in the Hague, seat of the Dutch government, has turned up a surprise: a 1925 time capsule, buried in the pedestal of a statue honoring 19th century King Willem II.
Contained in the capsule were letters to the future written by government officials, a book about the battle of Waterloo (in which the king had taken part), a handwritten document about the unveiling of the statue by Queen Wilhelmina, and more. There was also a list of attendees, including the first Dutch woman journalist.
The contents are on display temporarily at the Binnenhof renovation information center, and will then be held in the state archives until it’s time for it to be restored to the rebuilt pedestal, with new documents added by the local Council. No word yet on what they will add.
The capsule, a lead box, was found a few weeks ago when the statue was removed for restoration work and it became necessary to remove the pedestal as well.
