A metal drum wrapped in the flag of Bermuda is to become a treasure trove of history for future generations.

Books, coins, photographs and flash drives may be considered antiques in 100 years time but they will provide a wealth of information on the islands of Bermuda.

The Somers Day celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the wreck of the Sea Venture began with the deposit of items into a time capsule yesterday.

The Time Capsule Ceremony took place in front of the Town Hall in St. George's, and was a lighthearted affair, attended by dignitaries and representatives from community and historical associations, conservation societies and financial institutions.

The Bermuda School of Music Steel Pan Orchestra began proceedings and Town Crier David Frith then invited guests to place their contributions in the capsule.

"The time is two and one half hours past the hour of high noon on this 28th day of July in the year of our Lord 2009 400 years to that day of the finding of Bermuda, and all is well. God save the Queen," said Mr. Frith.

"In this time capsule which commemorates Bermuda's 400th anniversary and which contains items of significance from our community and various groups around the Island, once sealed the time capsule is to be opened 100 years from today, on the 28th day of July, 2109."

As Governor Sir Richard Gozney placed the first item in the capsule a photograph of him inspecting the Guard of Honour at this year's Queen's Birthday Parade, he said: "This may or may not be a familiar feature in 100 years' time."

Dame Jennifer Smith, acting for the Premier, then deposited a set of Bermuda stamps from the Philatelic Bureau.

Neletha Butterfield, Minister of Culture, contributed the book 'The Spirit Baby and Other Bermudian Folktales' by Florence Maxwell, while Mayor of St. George's Mariea Caisey gave a print of The Deliverance 1609-10 by artist Jill Raine and a calendar of the St. George's Foundation.

Mayor of Hamilton Charles Gosling deposited a book on Hamilton, a crest, a commemorative coin marking the city's 200th anniversary, a postcard, pins and a parking voucher.

Then there was a flag from the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, and a USB pen drive with pictures and documents representing the young people of today from the Bermuda 2009 Youth Force.

The Reverend David Raths, representing St. Peter's Church, gave a piece of the original tree on which a bell was hung 400 years ago to summon people to worship.

And the Bermuda National Trust gave a flash drive of 2009 'Held in Trust' and palmetto, tobacco and onion seeds.

There were reports from the St. George's Historical Society and currency from the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

The Bermuda Audubon Society gave a magazine celebrating its 50th anniversary and the DVD 'Treasure Island' on the Cahow.

The Chamber of Commerce meanwhile contributed a book celebrating '400 Years of Commerce in Bermuda'.

The Bermuda Regiment deposited a Soldiers Handbook, a promotional video of this year's Tattoo, the Defence Act and Governor's Orders, and a beret, cap badge and plaque.

The St. David's Native Community donated an account of the history of Native Americans in Bermuda, while the Bermuda African Community gave photos of Africans living on the Island.

The Friendly Society Association donated 'Bermuda's Forgotten Heroes' by Joy Wilson-Tucker.

The Bermuda Historical Society gave an 1883 book signed by Bermuda Chief Justice John Harvey Darrell, 'Cameos of Old Bermuda' by John Cox (2009), a booklet on Sir George Somers, two crystal glasses, and a 1900 silver locket with an enameled picture of 'Wistowe' in Flatts.

The St. George's Foundation deposited a commemorative coin and stamps marking the town's World Heritage Status.

Owen Lovell, Deputy Mayor of Lyme Regis the English town twinned with St. George's, then deposited a copy of documents signed by Sir George Somers outlining events in Lyme Regis before he set sail on the Sea Venture.

Representatives of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Board of Trustees, also contributed a Jamestown 400th anniversary coin and a booklet on the 'Jamestown and Bermuda: Virginia Company Colonies' exhibition.

The Bermuda 2009 Committee also deposited items of historical interest, including 2009 and Tall Ships pins, posters and calendars, a USB pen with documents on the Anniversary, and yesterday's The Royal Gazette.

A location and date for the time capsule's burial is expected to be announced at a later date.