Centennial Time Capsule & Prophet of Direction
This time capsule and Native American artwork commemorate the 100th anniversary of Washington becoming a state.
Facts
About the Centennial Time Capsule & Prophet of Direction
The Washington State Centennial Time Capsule is located just inside the south entrance of the Legislative Building. Designed by Knute Berger, it is a 3,000-pound green safe that holds 16 stainless-steel containers, or capsules.
An organization called the Keepers of the Capsule adds new items to the safe every 25 years to document Washington's history over the years. The next capsule will be filled on the state's 150th anniversary in 2039. All of the capsules will be opened on the 500th anniversary in 2389. This is the only "renewable" time capsule in the world.
In 1989, the Washington State Centennial Commission unveiled the time capsule at the Centennial Celebration. The event celebrated the 100th anniversary of Washington becoming a state.
Makah Tribe Master Carver Greg Colfax created the Prophet of Direction depicted on the Centennial Time Capsule. The artwork was added to the time capsule under the direction of former Secretary of State Ralph Munro, former First Lady Jean Gardner, and Executive Director Putnam Barber on behalf of the Centennial Commission.
The Prophet of Direction is a conceptual design that symbolizes the annual migration of indigenous people. Based on Northwest Washington Coast petroglyphs, the piece depicts an eagle following a star and holding a basket of essentials.
The artwork pays tribute to the Native American tribal leaders who achieved higher levels of consciousness and provided migration direction to the rest of the tribe. These individuals were entirely focused, intelligent, and intentional on how and when their tribe moved in connection with the land and its resources to sustain and perpetuate life.
The time capsule is located across a marble stairway just inside the south entrance of the Legislative Building.
Former Secretary of State Ralph Munro gives a speech at the Washington Centennial Celebration in 1989. Photo courtesy of Washington State Archives.
The first Keepers of the Capsule group filling the Centennial Time Capsule at the Washington Centennial Celebration in 1989. Photo courtesy of Washington State Archives.
