Aurora unseals century-old Masonic time capsule

A century-old time capsule was unsealed on August 22 in Aurora, Illinois, revealing a collection of well-preserved historical artifacts. The capsule was originally discovered in 2019 in a utility closet during the emergency demolition of the historic Lincoln Masonic Temple, which had been damaged by a three-alarm fire.

The items recovered from the copper container include a September 8, 1922, edition of the Aurora Beacon-News, Masonic aprons, various books, bylaws, and manuals dating from 1884 to 1922. Other contents included blueprints, original drawings, and a stone from King Solomon’s Quarry.

The unsealing event took place at the Grand Army of the Republic Hall and Military Museum and was attended by approximately 50 people. The capsule is believed to have been placed between 1921 and 1924, coinciding with the laying of the temple's cornerstone.