Gen-Z Time Capsule

Participants born between the years of 1997-2012 contributed images to our online time capsule they felt best represented their generation. Explore over 150 objects in the Gen-Z Time Capsule below.

Explore the Gen-Z Time Capsule by theme:

Artwork

Gen-Zers express powerful, playful, and poignant messages through their creative expressions in a variety of mediums, ranging from traditional to highly unconventional.

Social Media

Across the expansive universe of social media, Gen-Zers continually navigate the balancing act between perpetuating public image and preserving private reality; managing positive relationships amidst cyber bullying and cancel culture; and being entertained and informed while also engaging in activism.

Politics & Current Events

When it comes to politics, social issues, and current events—from partisan dynamics to climate change to the Black Lives Matter movement to LGBTQ+ advocacy and more—Gen-Zers simultaneously use their range of voices while continuing to fine-tune them.

A black and white image of a person wearing a mask and holding a sign that says no justice, no peace. — Hugo Paniagua
Hagerstown, MD

Music

The beat of Gen-Zers is revealed throughout both the music they listen to and the original sounds they create, as well as how they choose to connect with music across a multitude of platforms.

A record player with a record titled Lorde Pure Heroine — Maanya Laad
Ashland, MA

Fashion

Gen-Zers unapologetically curate their fashion and style, revealing their identities through clothing and accessories that often defy trends and fads.

3 female hands, one holding purple hairbands and the other wearing hairbands as bracelets around her wrist. — Gabrielle Ryder
Smithsburg, MD

Mental Health

Gen Z has rejected the stigmas widely associated with mental illness, openly sharing their personal journeys unlike any generation before them. By bringing the use of terms like “anxiety,” “depression,” and “suicide” into the mainstream they have helped facilitate advances in mental health advocacy and acceptance.

Drawn images of a portrait of a woman in multiple colors — Mary Fogg-Liedel
Pittsburgh, PA

Photos & Selfies

Gen-Zers are true digital natives who have lived their entire lives on camera— their photos and selfies offer insight into how they see themselves and the world around them.

Photo of a person wearing a mask, looking out of the window — Natalie Mix
Pittsburgh, PA

Innovation & Technology

For Gen-Zers, innovations and evolving technology are accepted facets of daily life, which they navigate with fluency and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Image of a white laptop with stickers on it — Tawana Freeman
Capitol Heights, MD

Animals & Pets

Gen-Z’s openness in sharing their emotions extends to their deep affection for their pets and other animals.

Image of a brown dog — Kayla Day
Wellsville, NY

Sports & Gaming

From traditional sports fields to the burgeoning world of video games, Gen-Z has redefined the line between fan and athlete, observer and participant.

A soccer ball with the Nike symbol — Alden Phillips
Pittsburgh, PA

The Gen-Z Time Capsule Zine

The Gen-Z Time Capsule Zine—designed by Gen-Z artist Mckay Martin—is one more way to explore the contents of this time capsule. Whether you view the contents digitally, or in print, the objects you find will provide numerous opportunities for reflection, research, understanding, and connection.

Download a copy of the zine now!

The front cover of a 'zine with text The Gen-Z Time Capsule Zine in red on a black background.