Key facts
- A 900-pound time capsule has been sealed for burial on July 4, 2026.
- The capsule contains contributions from all 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., and five territories.
- It is scheduled to be opened on July 4, 2276, to commemorate America's 250th anniversary.
- Items prone to degradation were prohibited from inclusion.
- Specific artifacts from states like California (quantum computing chip, AI prediction) and Arkansas (diamond) were included.
A significant project to document America's identity has reached a new milestone with the sealing of the "America's Time Capsule" by the America250 committee. This non-partisan group, tasked with preparing for the nation's 250th anniversary, has collected contributions from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and five U.S. territories.
The capsule, designed to be protected from water, is set to be buried on July 4, 2026, in Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park and will remain sealed for 250 years, with its opening scheduled for July 4, 2276.
Rosie Rios, chair of America250, stated that the moment is about the future as much as the past, expressing hope that future generations will see the care, pride, and optimism with which Americans marked the anniversary. The capsule aims to tell the story of America at 250 years old.
Artifacts and documents were provided by officials from the three branches of government, along with donations from "America250 Partners" such as Apple, Coca-Cola, and the Smithsonian Institution. America250 also selected specific content to represent its national programming.
Items that could rust, degrade, decompose, or rot were strictly forbidden. For instance, Old Bay seasoning from Maryland was reportedly rejected.
Each state has contributed specific items. California included a fusion superconductor, a "California Innovation $1 Coin" commemorating Steve Jobs and Pixar, a poem, a photo of California from space, a quantum computing chip, and an AI-generated prediction of California seceding to form a "Pacific Federation." Arkansas contributed a diamond from its Crater of Diamonds. Arizona provided copper ingots and letters, while Louisiana included letters from its Congressman and Governor, commemorative pins, and Mardi Gras memorabilia.