Museum readying time capsules

xmascapsule032: Museum readying time capsulesIt may not be easy to make sense out of a sentence that reads, “Museum set to seal time capsules with a Christmas tree,” unless you were actually there to see it tested. On October 13, Elco Manufacturing Company delivered the Christmas tree to the Kern County Museum in Bakersfield. Only it wasn’t a tall, evergreen covered with pine needles.

No, it turns out Christmas tree is a term used to describe a piece of oilfield equipment configured of twisted pipes and valves, standing about seven feet high and weighing close to a ton. On November 16 at 2:30 p.m., the museum will use a crane to lower the Christmas tree in place over a 13 3/8 inch oilfield casing donated by J.D. Rush Company, that will contain three time capsules of information and artifacts from the year 2003. Once the bolts are tightened securing the flanges, valves and piping, the contents of the time capsules will be safely secured in an air and water tight environment not to be opened until the year 2103.

Why a Christmas tree? Because it will blend with the other outside, oilfield artifacts on display in the museum’s Donor Plaza, according to Carola Enriquez, museum director. A plaque will be attached to the Christmas tree indicating where the time capsules are stored and when they are to be unsealed.

“Who knows what kinds of energy will be used in the year 2103, but it will be fitting for museum visitors to reflect on the importance of oil in Kern County’s history as the time capsules are opened,” Enriquez said. “In my own experience, I felt the disappointment of opening another time capsule in years past. It was in a building cornerstone, and all the contents had crumbled and rotted. We want to make sure everything put in our time capsules will survive the elements that will occur over 100 years. And that the public will constantly be reminded where to find the time capsules.”

Enriquez invites the public to add their own memorabilia to the foot long time capsules which are 10 inch circumference PVC pipe donated by Kelly Pipe Company. Space is limited. For the following donations you can have your history put in the time capsules: $20 for business cards; $50 for company letterhead, 8 1/2 ” x 11” family history letter or 4 ” x 6 ” photo; $75 for 5 ” x 7 ” photo and $100 for an 8 ” x 10” photo. Deadline to submit items is November 7.

“We have some great essays that were written by local school children that are going in the time capsules,” Enriquez said. “That could be pretty interesting when the time capsules are opened. Children in the year 2103, who will read the letters, may not even be using pens, pencils and paper anymore. Imagine if you donate a class photo. I wonder what future generations will think about our hairstyles and clothes?”

The museum is planning a celebration for the November 16 time capsule sealing. There will be a barbecue prepared by Halliburton Energy Services limited to the first 400 reservations, and those same people will receive souvenirs from Black Gold: The Oil Experience, the museum’s interactive oil exhibit. The barbecue is free with admission to the event which is $12 for adults and $6 for children under age 12 and people 100 years of age or older free. For reservations or details about placing memorabilia in the time capsules call the museum at (661) 852-5000.

“We are also inviting any 100 year-old citizens to be a part of this historic event,” Enriquez said.
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