I'm sorry I didn't see your post.
I don't think you'll have very good luck trying to start buckeyes that are that old. Especially since they will be very dried out by now, although I have heard of seeds from some types of trees that have been successfully germinated after many years by experts. But buckeye seeds only have a 50 % germination rate when they are fresh so I'd say you would be better off to try and plant fresh ones.
Here is the link from my site
BuckeyeTree.net that gives you information about how to grow buckeyes from seed.
http://ohiodnr.com/tabid/5106/Default.aspxIn a nutshell here is some basic information for you from the site.
Buckeye seeds are ripe by Sept. and fall from the tree till Oct. Pick up your seeds from off the ground soon after they fall, do not pull seed pods from the tree they fall when they are ripe. Do not let the seeds dry out. Plant your seed 3 inches deep in the fall. Only 50 % of the seeds will germinate so plant more then you need to ensure that some will grow. Put 2 inches of mulch and a screen mesh, to keep squirrels from digging them up, over the buckeyes. Remove the mulch and screen in the spring after the ground thaws. Keep the soil moist ( not wet, just moist ) after the seed has germinated water to maintain 1 inch per week. Lightly fertilize once per month. Stop watering and fertilizing in mid Aug. to allow the seeding to harden off before winter. Light shade is recommended. You can transplant your seedlings in two years.
