This was my first exam in Expository Writing / Eng 140
The topic was if you had to make a time capsule that would be opened in 100 hundred years, What 3 items would you put into it and why? I choose shit that is in my safety deposit box. Family tree, heirlooms, and Pictures etc for my family.(Children's children) Hence the name, "A priceless Legacy".


I got a 98!:D w00t
A Priceless Legacy
By Marq Hall

All too often, people seem to dismiss or forget about their past. It can be very easy to do with the hustle and bustle of life flying by around you. I think it is important to know the answers to questions such as: "Who were my ancestors?" and "Where did I come from?” We should want to know about our heritage and lineage. I, being quite proud of mine, would like to pass on as much of my family history as possible. It is common for pictures, documents, and keepsakes to be lost or misplaced over time. Hence, I have decided to make a time capsule for my future relatives. It is to be opened one hundred years from this day.
The first thing I must include is my family tree. It is one of my most prized possessions. It goes back over five hundred years. My grandfather started documenting his side in the 1970's. When I combined what he discovered with what I compiled from my mothers' side, I was able to conclude that I am seventy-five percent Scott-Irish. I descended from the Celtic clan of Hallr, on my fathers' side. My mother bore Scott-Irish descent as well, mixed with a little German and English. I was fortunate to gather all of the information together. Usually one would come across missing names that make it impossible to research it further. Although, through a lot of hard work and investigation, I managed to obtain all of the information I needed. It is an important piece of documentation in the history of my genealogy. I think it, more than anything, should be passed on to the future generations of Halls.
Next, I have to include two of my family heirlooms. The first of which is my grandfathers' World War II medals. He was awarded two purple hearts and a silver star for his service in Iwo Jima. They symbolize the courageous nature of my family. Just as important as the medals is my mothers' locket. I lost my mother when I was three years old and it has always meant so much to me. I did not have much to remember her by, I recall grasping tightly to it as a child, and I held it often. It seemed to sooth me in a way. So, in her memory I am including it, as well. I hope that they remain as important possessions in my family legacy for a long time.
Finally, for nostalgia, I will gather together an assorted array of pictures, family documents, newspapers, magazines covers, & clippings. The pictures of the family I have range from the early 1900's to the present. They should be a great addition to their sense of our history. As far as the magazines and newspapers, I think that they will find them entertaining to see the things going on in the world a century ago. I can almost see them now, chuckling over a random headline. Other papers I would involve are writings by various family members. My mother wrote and I am a published poet, so, I would put in a few of my favorites.
My family time capsule may not be worth much monetary value, but to me, it is priceless. I can only hope that they will value it as much as I do. I am sure they will, after all, most things can be replaced. These treasures, however, cannot. Remember your family and its history. This world is full of trivial things. Make sure you value the right things, because that which means most is often worthless to others.
(Paper is based on a few items in my safety deposit box)