A time capsule celebrating American independence has been sealed and will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026. The 900-pound cylinder contains contributions from the three branches of the federal government, many of the ongoing America 250 events and programs, and all 50 states, the five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
Design and Construction
The stainless steel capsule is shaped like a cylinder to prevent cracking and breaking. It will be covered with a secondary cylinder that will trap air and push out any approaching water, and the capsule itself is rimmed with a soft metal that compresses under pressure to create an airtight, watertight seal.
The items inside were stored at 35% relative humidity to prevent dryness and moisture problems. The capsule will be buried 10 feet below ground, safe from temperature fluctuations or storm damage.
Contents
Inside the capsule are hundreds of letters, postcards, posters, poems, and other printed materials from states, including a brochure from New Hampshire featuring a timeline of major events in the state’s Revolutionary War history. California submitted a prediction of what the state will be like 250 years from July 4, 2026, written by an AI ChatBot.
Some states went all out, with Utah sending 100 cards featuring historical citizens, 13 coins, eight documents, eight pins, two granite disks, and a booklet. Arizona used nano-etching technology to put the full text of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution on a stainless steel coin.
The variety of submissions was fascinating, said Tom Medema, a retired National Park Service official and project manager for the time capsule. Anything that might degrade or metals that would rust over time was forbidden, with Maryland’s submission of Old Bay seasoning being rejected.
Legacy
The time capsule is not the first national time capsule tied to the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A ‘Century Safe’ filled in 1876 was opened by President Gerald Ford in 1976, and there’s another time capsule in the works that will be housed at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.
To ensure the America 250 capsule is found in 2276, the National Park Service has included details about it in its succession plans to be passed down through time. A capstone with information about it will cover the spot where it’s buried.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
