Helium Centennial Time Columns Monument
The Helium Centennial Time Columns Monument was built in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of helium. The Time Columns Monument is a six-story high stainless steel structure containing four time capsules, three of which form the legs of the monument and one which stands erect. The capsules are intended to be opened in 25, 50, 100, and 1,000 years from the date it was erected in 1968. In 1982 the Helium Monument was airlifted by helicopter from I-40 and Nelson to its current site at the Don Harrington Discovery Center. In 1993, the first time capsule was opened, on schedule, during a two-day celebration of the 25th birthday of the monument. The contents of that capsule are in the collection of the Discovery Center, and are not typically on display to the public. Among the most interesting things stored within the monument is the passbook in the 1,000 year capsule to a bank account with a $10 deposit.
The monument also serves as a sun dial, its features oriented to the sun to tell the time.
Read more about this topic: Don Harrington Discovery Center
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