Time Capsule In Pedestal Of Robert E. Lee Statue To Be Replaced

RICHMOND, VA — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is planning to replace a 134-year-old time capsule embedded in the pedestal foundation of the Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee statue at Monument and Allen avenues in Richmond.

Northam is inviting Virginians to suggest new artifacts that represent the state today for a new capsule that will be installed at the site when the statue is removed.

“It’s time to say to the world, this is today’s Virginia, not yesterday’s,” Northam said in a statement Tuesday. “And one day, when future generations look back at this moment, they will be able to learn about the inclusive, welcoming Commonwealth that we are building together. I encourage Virginians to be part of this unique effort to tell our shared story.”

A copper time capsule was placed in the cornerstone of the pedestal on Oct. 27, 1887. Records from the Library of Virginia suggest that 37 Richmond residents, organizations and business contributed about 60 objects to the capsule, many of which are believed to be related to the Confederacy.

“As we seek to portray Virginia’s history with honesty, we must ensure our symbols reflect the values we hold today,” Virginia Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Janice Underwood said in a statement. “This project is an opportunity to replace relics of the Lost Cause with items that represent the Commonwealth’s strength in diversity and unite us around the progress we are making together.”

Virginians interested in participating should submit a description of their artifact, including the item’s size and material, and an explanation of how the object represents Virginia. To submit an artifact for consideration, people must own the item or have the ability to obtain it.

Submissions will be collected for one month, through Tuesday, July 20. For more information about how to participate in the creation of the new time capsule, visit governor.virginia.gov/timecapsule.

On March 22, Historic Jamestown, an entity of Preservation Virginia, conducted a scan of the statue's pedestal and identified a void in the base where the time capsule is likely housed. The state Department of General Services analyzed the results of the scan and concluded that the time capsule can be removed and replaced without damaging the structure.

When the current time capsule is removed, a conservator will transfer the contents for safekeeping to the Department of Historic Resources’ conservation lab, where staff can oversee the examination of the contents.

“Throughout this process, the Commonwealth has remained committed to following best practices for historic preservation,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Matthew J. Strickler. “The Department of Historic Resources will work to ensure that the new capsule’s contents represent our Commonwealth and withstand the test of time.”

The Lee statue, which stands 21 feet tall on a pedestal nearly twice that height, became the epicenter of racial injustice protests last summer after the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. Northam announced then that he intended to remove the monument, but the state has been fighting lawsuits by individuals seeking to keep the state-owned statue in place.

If the state succeeds in removing the Lee statue, Northam plans to leave in place the statue's pedestal, now covered with graffiti.

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