In a special ceremony tomorrow (Saturday, February 7) the historic Twelfth Street Colored Y.M.C.A. building in Washington, D.C. will unseal the contents of the more than 100 year old time capsule contained in its cornerstone, which was laid by President Theodore Roosevelt.

The structure is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The unsealing promises to be dramatic.

According to newspaper accounts, a copper box was placed inside the cornerstone, and was said to contain copies of the previous day’s newspapers from Washington, D.C., a Bible, a history of the “colored department” of the Y.M.C.A., and an emblem of the organization.

Will these historic items still be in good condition?

The landmark building today houses the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust, which will conduct the invitation-only event from 11 a.m to 3:00 p.m.

The centennial unveiling and fund raising kickoff, aptly called “Cornerstone of the Community for the Next 100 Years”, will also include a lunch buffet, historical exhibits, and guided tour.

My understanding is that a formal invitation was extended to President Barack Obama.

According to T.M.C.T.’s Executive Director, Thomasina W. Yearwood, the organization’s mission is to promote equality, social justice and economic justice by engaging children, youth, individuals, families, and the community-at-large in provocative dialogue and collective action.

Among a variety of community-based activities, the T.M.C.T. provides educational programs that help individuals celebrate the richness of their cultural history as well as identify and manifest opportunities in their lives today.

I’m delighted to say that this sounds to me like they help folks “make history now.”

I’m also delighted to report that yours truly will be there covering the event, having received special press credentials.

Thurgood Marshall Center Trust, Inc.
1816 Twelfth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-462-8314