Key facts
- A 900-pound time capsule for America's 250th anniversary has been sealed.
- The capsule is designed to be watertight and will be buried 10 feet deep in Philadelphia.
- It contains diverse items from federal branches, all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and D.C.
- Submissions include historical documents, letters, a whale bone, a diamond, and AI-generated content.
- The capsule is scheduled to be opened in the year 2276.
A time capsule designed to commemorate America's 250th anniversary has been sealed and prepared for burial, marking a significant step in a project mandated by a 2016 law.
The capsule, a 900-pound stainless steel cylinder, is engineered to withstand the elements for 250 years, with its design prioritizing watertightness. It will be buried 10 feet underground in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, and is intended to be unearthed in 2276.
Michael Berilla, who led the team from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the Department of Commerce, explained the capsule's cylindrical shape and its unique sealing mechanism, which uses a soft metal to create an airtight and watertight closure.
The contents reflect a broad spectrum of American representation, including contributions from the three branches of the federal government, ongoing America 250 programs, all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Archival paper, in the form of letters, postcards, poems, and brochures, was a popular submission. Some states opted for unique items, such as Arizona's nano-etched coin with the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, Maine's inclusion of North Atlantic right whale bone, and Arkansas's diamond. California submitted an AI-generated prediction of the state's future.
Items that could degrade or rust were prohibited, leading to some submissions being modified or rejected, like Maryland's Old Bay seasoning. Project manager Tom Medema noted that the submissions reflect both dark historical periods and current challenges, alongside a prevailing sense of optimism and hope.
This initiative follows previous national time capsules, including one from 1876 opened in 1976 and another created that year to be opened in 2076. The National Park Service is ensuring the America 250 capsule's location will be known by including its details in succession plans and marking the burial site with a capstone.