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Capturing the Canal Zone in Time Capsules
We want to highlight a generous donation by Randy and Joella Deakins of three family time capsules to the Panama Canal Museum Collection. The list of contents includes documents, photographs, letters, a scrapbook, and other items documenting the Deakins family history in Panama and the Canal Zone, beginning in 1927. These will be kept in our environmentally controlled storage facility, safe from any temptations to sneak a peek before time is up. Set to be opened in the year 2106, they are sure to bring delight to those lucky enough to witness it.
Randy and Joella also sat down with us for an oral history interview earlier this year at the Panama Canal Society Reunion in Orlando, FL. Their interview is currently being transcribed, and will be available online once it is processed. Please check out the Oral History Program on our website (https://ufdc.ufl.edu/ohpcm) and reach out to us if you are interested in participating.
In August 2021, Randy and Joella made the trip to the University of Florida to drop off their family treasures. They are pictured here with the time capsules in our Albert H. Nahmad Panama Canal Gallery. The gallery is home to an annual exhibition. Currently on display is “Are We Next: Fear and Social Roles in WWII”. (Abbreviated Online Exhibit: https://exhibits.uflib.ufl.edu/AreWeNext/) 
The Deakins Family 100 Year Time Capsule. Includes personal papers, letters from family, and papers regarding the Panama Canal Treaty and the transfer of the Canal. Time Capsule sealed April 29, 2006. To be opened on April 29, 2106. Steel box. This is #2 of 3 time capsules made by Randy Deakins. 
Violet S. Deakins: Scrapbook of her life in the Panama Canal Zone. Starts: January 1936. Last Date: January 1963. Violet Deakins born June 7, 1913 and died May 12, 2004. Time Capsule sealed August 8, 2021. To be opened on August 8, 2106. This is #3 of 3 time capsules made by Randy Deakins. 
The Deakins Family Panama Canal Zone Connection from 1927 to 1984. 100 Year Time Capsule. Time Capsule sealed January 28, 2006. Papers and photos of life in the Canal Zone. To be opened January 2106. PVC pipe. This is #1 of 3 time capsules made by Randy Deakins.
Thank you to Randy and Joella and to all our wonderful donors! Keep them coming!
