The Leflore County Board of Supervisors goofed Monday by not doing enough “digging” into the records or people’s memories before they unsuccessfully tried to excavate a 50-year-old time capsule buried under the courthouse lawn.
The county officials may compound that error Wednesday if they stick with their plan to turn over everything that’s inside that capsule to the Museum of the Mississippi Delta for inventorying, even if the family members who put the items there object.
It’s uncertain what the understanding was during 1971’s centennial celebration, when residents paid a small amount for the privilege of adding an envelope of letters, coins, photos or other memorabilia to the stash. Nor is it legally clear who technically owns the items now.
Regardless, the supervisors should ask themselves whether it’s worth it. Do they really think that whatever was placed there has such historical significance that it is worth angering those who feel their privacy is being invaded.
We think not.
It took a day longer than planned to unearth the time capsule. People will forget about that. What they won’t forget is if they feel violated because what they didn’t intend for public consumption is being viewed by others, even if it’s just museum staff.
For those who object to this arrangement and don’t wish to wait for their items, it would be better to give them the envelopes once the time capsule is opened and avoid an unjustified fuss.
