TYLER, Texas — A historical mystery was recently uncovered inside a storage closet of the Smith County Commissioners Court.
Employees of the commissioners court found two unburied time capsules that have now been donated to the Smith County Historical Society.
On Facebook, a representative of the historical society revealed the items found inside one of the capsules because it was already unsealed.
Looking into the capsule, SCHS found photos from Tyler Constitutional Bicentennial Opening Ceremony on May 25, 1987 and several items celebrating the 200th anniversary of signing the U.S. Constitution.
There were also several pamphlets and newspapers along with a Tyler street brick and a catalog book of classes at UT Tyler. The volunteer also found a Landmarks of Tyler booklet, which has now become a website where people can find local landmarks. Another document showed an electric bill was 4 cents a kilowatt hour.
Digging into one of the capsules revealed it was supposed to be buried in 1987 and opened 50 years later -- 2037.
The Smith County Historical Society representative said the other capsule is lighter and the society will discuss with its collections committee what should be done with it.
The closed capsule and the items from the open capsule will be on display at the museum, located at 125 South College Ave, in downtown Tyler.
The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday noon to 4 p.m.