HAMBLEDON HISTORY GROUP
The
Time Capsule
Project
The aim of this project is to pull together and make possible a time capsule to be sealed in Autumn 2026, preserving memorabilia, personal recollections and records that reflect the village community. On our site, you will find a timeline capturing key events, types of content we seek, digital formatting guidelines, and templates for community contributions.
Mission Statement:
To preserve the unique heritage and vibrant social fabric of Hambledon by curating a diverse collection of records, personal recollections, and memorabilia. By blending digital and traditional formats, we aim to engage all generations and local organizations in creating a lasting resource that enables future historians to understand and appreciate our village society
Core Objectives of the Project
Preserve Community Identity:
To capture the unique culture and society of the village through contributions from residents, businesses, and local groups.
Commemorate Milestones:
To mark significant historical events, specifically the 150th anniversary of the Victorian restoration of the Church.
Bridge Generations:
To involve younger residents and local organizations in a collaborative historical endeavor.
Create a Future Resource:
To prepare a comprehensive time capsule, to be sealed in Autumn 2026, as a gift for future generations.
Our Story
Hambledon History Group
The Hambledon History Group (HHG) has been in existence for many years in various shapes and forms. Most recently it has evolved into a more formal membership group comprising over 50 villagers and friends who support the work of the group.
The group recently adopted a constitution, opened a bank account and initiated a programme of village engagements resulting in a membership scheme and a modest annual fee. The group organises regular “Open House” meetings, these are a much enjoyed mix of group discussions with a strong social content. The group also organise events and talks, and projects such as the Time Capsule.
The group has a large amount of material in the form of documents, photographs, books and a valuable collection of “Hambledonian:” parish magazines and other artefacts. A cataloguing and digitalisation process is underway in order that the collection and information may be viewed online. The HH Group website is currently under development and has been funded by the members via their membership.
New members are always welcome. If you are interested in our work please come along to one of our events or get in touch via the contact page on this website.
THE TIME CAPSULE PROJECT
What is Involved?
Information Gathering
It will be suggested to contributors that they address a range of topics in their responses, but these are guidelines and not rules. We are interested in the voice of contributors and how and what they want to say. STRICT PRIVACY will be observed.
None of the information supplied to us will be published or publicly available until 2076. Digital content will be stored in file formats and storage media suitable for long term storage
The Capsule
This will be a large stainless steel container. Inside will be a number of artefacts – The 2020 Hambledon Book, copies of the Hambledonian and materials supplied by the Church and School. Also included will be a series of data storage discs and a disc player to ensure that the media can be accessed.
We would hope to include a number of additional items, but it is likely that space will be limited. All the contents will be wrapped and protected for long term storage. The Capsule will be sealed before passing into long term storage. A back up provision will also be made.
Final Location
To avoid problems of damp and decay the Time Capsule will be stored above ground, secreted within the Church.
There will be limited storage space, but much of the information will be in digital format.
Timeline
September 2025 – January 2026
PREPARATION
Develop the concept, test feasibility, gain agreement, consider practical issues and organisation. Develop website and collateral.
January 2026 – Mid 2026
CONTENT GATHERING
Gain input and material from key participants such as Church and School, together with villagers, organisations, businesses etc. A range of formats acceptable including document files, digital images, videos etc.
Mid 2026 – Autumn 2026
FINALISE & SEAL CAPSULE
Information to be processed to ensure it is in the correct format for long term storage. Data to be stored on high capacity discs, with suitable indexing and file formatting. All capsule contents to be wrapped and protected from possible degradation, especially paper based materials and artefacts.
How Can I Get Involved?
THEN SELECT AN AREA BELOW YOU’D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE AS
Check Out Our Other Projects
The Oral History Project
Perhaps the most precious and irreplaceable facet of the History Group is the Oral History project.
Unlike static documents, these interviews capture the nuances of memory, dialect, and personal experience of villagers.