A 900-pound time capsule celebrating American independence has been sealed and will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026. The capsule, designed and built by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 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.
Contents of the Time Capsule
The items inside the capsule include archival quality paper, such as letters, postcards, posters, poems, and other printed material. Some states submitted unique items, such as a diamond from Arkansas, a bone from the endangered North Atlantic right whale from Maine, and a booklet from Utah. The capsule also contains a photo of the team that built it and a letter written on their behalf.
The time capsule is designed to be watertight and airtight, with a soft metal rim that compresses under pressure to seal the lid. The items inside are stored at 35% relative humidity to prevent degradation. The capsule will be buried 10 feet below ground, safe from temperature fluctuations or storm damage.
Significance of the Time Capsule
The America 250 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 a Bicentennial time capsule created in 1976 will be opened in 2076. The National Park Service has included details about the America 250 capsule in its succession plans to ensure it is found in 2276.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
