(NEXSTAR) – A meaningful project intended to document America’s identity took another major step in recent days, but you’d be forgiven for missing it amid the White House’s UFC fights and motocross extravaganza .
America250, the non-partisan committee tasked with preparing celebrations for the nation’s 250th (and a completely separate group from the Trump-backed Freedom 250 organization), has sealed its so-called “America’s Time Capsule,” which holds contributions from every state and territory in the U.S. Its organizers are hoping the time capsule — which is intended to remain sealed for another 250 years — will fulfill a “responsibility” to commemorate American viewpoints on the past, present and beyond.
“This moment is as much about the future as it is the past,” Rosie Rios, the chair of America250, said. “When it is opened in 2276, future generations will see the care, pride, and optimism with which Americans marked our 250th anniversary.”
The capsule itself will be buried on July 4, in Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park. It’ll be dug up on the same date in 2276, when its contents will help “tell the story” of America at 250 years old, organizers hope.
The America250 time capsule, shown here in the machine shop where it was created at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. (Rich Press/NIST)
Contributions to the time capsule were collected from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories. Officials from the three branches of government provided artifacts and documents, while several “America250 Partners” (which include Apple, Coca-Cola and the Smithsonian Institution) donated items as well. America250 also “selected” specific content to include to “represent its national programming.”
Strictly forbidden from inclusion were items that might rust, degrade, decompose, or rot. For example, Maryland had reportedly wanted to include Old Bay seasoning, but it was rejected, according to the Associated Press.
As for what is specifically inside, America250 said each state has contributed the following items. Further details of each item can be found on the official America250 website.
Alabama : Poems by James Matthew Wilson
Alaska : An archival map of the Russian settlement of New Archangel (a settlement that became Sitka) circa 1867; and a copy of the Alaska Territory flag from 1927.
American Samoa : Uncirculated coins
Arizona : Two copper ingots, one stamped with an “Arizona America 250” and another with the outline of the state; an Arizona state quarter; two commemorative challenge coins, including one laser-etched with the entirety of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution; and letters from the Arizona America 250 Commission and the Arizona secretary of state.
Arkansas : A diamond from the state’s Crater of Diamonds; and a letter from Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
California : A letter from Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife, a fusion superconductor; a “California Innovation $1 Coin” commemorating Steve Jobs and Pixar; a poem by Lee Herrick; a photo of California from space; a quantum computing chip; and an AI-generated prediction of what California will be like in 2276. (The prediction reportedly says California will secede and become part of a “Pacific Federation” along with Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, according to AP.
Colorado : A proclamation from Governor Jared Polis; a commemorative challenge coin highlighting both America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th; a state quarter; some of the last pennies ever pressed at the Denver Mint; and poscarts.
Connecticut : An official proclamation; a commemorative pin; commemorative stickers; a planning guide; and “graphic notecards.”
Washington, D.C : A commemorative challenge coin.
Delaware : Twelve notecards featuring messages from residents responding to a prompt reading, “To me, Delaware is…”
Florida : Four challenge coins; a pin; a notecard, a copy of the Florida Senate Booklet; and another booklet detailing Florida’s observations for America’s 250th.
Georgia : Two challenge coins; and a medallion featuring a painted relief of the Masters golf tournament.
Guam : Letters from Guam Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio; a ceremonial necklace/ornament known as a Gualofan, featuring an oyster shell; and a challenge coin.
Hawaii : A letter from Governor Josh Green; and a challenge coin commemorating Green.
Idaho : A letter from Governor Brad Little; and an Idaho star garnet gemstone.
Illinois : A letter from Governor Mike Pritzker; and a poem from Mark Turcotte.
Indiana : A report from the state’s Indiana 250 Commission.
Iowa : A letter from Governor Kim Reynolds; a coin minted in 1914 to promote food relief in Belgium; and an International Space Station Medallion from astronaut Peggy Whitson.
Kansas : A recap document “identifying Kansas250 Commissioners and relevant news items.”
Kentucky : A coin comm…
Read the full article at The Hill →📄Source document: America250 Committee→4 reports
The HillIndependentCenter6 days ago America250 time capsule sealed until 2276: What did each state contribute?A non-partisan committee called America250 has sealed a time capsule containing contributions from all U.S. states and territories. The capsule, set to remain sealed until 2276, aims to capture American perspectives on the nation's history and future. It will be buried in Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park on July 4 and is expected to provide insight into America's 250th anniversary.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the event objectively without overtly favoring any political perspective. It mentions the non-partisan nature of the committee and focuses on the symbolic significance of the time capsule rather than taking a stance on related political issues.
Official sources cited
- organisation America250 Committee
ABC News (US)IndependentCenter6 days ago A diamond, a whale bone and letters: What's inside the America 250 time capsuleA 900-pound time capsule created by the nonpartisan America250 commission has been sealed and will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026. The capsule, designed to last until 2276, contains various items including paper, a diamond, a whale bone, and letters. The design focuses on protecting the contents from water damage using a cylindrical shape and specialized sealing techniques.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of the creation and content of the time capsule without taking a stance on political issues. It focuses on the technical aspects of the project and includes quotes from officials involved, presenting information neutrally.
Official sources cited
- government America250 Commission
- government National Institute of Standards and Technology
CBS News (US)IndependentCenter7 days ago "Do not open until July 4, 2276": What will America's Time Capsule reveal?CBS News reports on the creation of America's Time Capsule, set to be buried in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, and unearthed on July 4, 2276. Tom Medema, the project manager, explains that the capsule aims to represent the United States' history through items chosen by states, territories, and D.C., along with public contributions. The initiative is part of a 2016 congressional mandate to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a neutral overview of the time capsule project without taking a stance on its content, significance, or potential interpretations. It focuses on logistical details, quotes from officials involved, and the participatory nature of the project, avoiding any ideological framing.
Official sources cited
- organisation Tom Medema, Project Manager for America's Time Capsule
- organisation Rosie Rios, Chair of America 250
CBS News (US)IndependentCenter7 days ago A time capsule for America's 500thAs America approaches its 250th anniversary, a time capsule will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4 and sealed until 2276. The capsule contains both high-tech and everyday items chosen to represent American culture. The design of the capsule aims to ensure its survival for 250 years underground.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a cultural event with no direct political implications. It focuses on historical preservation and does not take a stance on any political issue.