America250 organizers have sealed a 900-pound stainless steel time capsule in preparation for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The massive cylinder, filled with letters, artifacts and messages from across the country, was sealed last week at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Maryland and will be ceremonially buried July 4 at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. It is scheduled to remain underground until 2276.
America's Time Capsule is officially sealed. 🇺🇸
— America250 (@America250) June 15, 2026
Contributions from all 56 states and territories. A device encoding Thomas Jefferson's rough draft of the Declaration of Independence. All of it to be buried July 4 and not opened until 2276.
See what's inside:… pic.twitter.com/tMjOExsUTB
The project fulfills a congressional mandate to preserve a snapshot of America at its semiquincentennial for future generations. Contributions came from all 50 states, Washington D.C., five U.S. territories and all three branches of the federal government. Contents include thousands of letters, postcards, poems, posters and archival papers, along with unique artifacts such as a diamond from Arkansas, a North Atlantic right whale bone from Maine, Utah historical coins and pins, Arizona’s nano-etched Declaration of Independence coin, and items reflecting science, culture and innovation from across the country.
America250 described the capsule as a nonpartisan effort to capture the people, places, ideas and achievements shaping the United States today. The vessel was engineered for long-term preservation, with special attention to humidity control and durability underground. It will be displayed publicly in Philadelphia before the July 4 burial ceremony, which will feature representatives from across government and society.
The time capsule project is part of broader nationwide celebrations leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Organizers say it offers a unique bridge between past, present and future Americans.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
