We’re getting ready to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, but what will the 500th birthday look like?
Who’s to say — but what we do know is it will include a time capsule from this year.
The 900-pound cylinder has been sealed shut with a diverse assortment of items from all 50 states, territories and Washington, D.C.
Pennsylvania contributed a letter to the future, written by Gov. Josh Shapiro. New Jersey included a stainless steel plate inscribed with the state’s motto in eight different languages.
California got creative and put the answer an AI chatbot gave when asked what the state will be like in the year 2276.
The time capsule will be buried 10 feet under Independence Mall on July Fourth.
(Photo credit: National Institute of Standards and Technology)
Jun 16, 2026
