A remarkable chapter in America250’s story is nearly complete: America’s Time Capsule has officially been sealed, and it is set to be buried on July 4.
Created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the capsule will be buried at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 2026, where it will remain until it is reopened in 2276.
Inside is a record of America at this historic moment, contributions from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories, along with items from all three branches of the federal government, America250 programs, and national partners.
What does America look like at 250 years old?
The answers can be found in the stories, artifacts, innovations, and records preserved within the capsule, including:
- Student artwork and essays from America’s Field Trip
- Contributions from every state and territory, representing local history, culture, and community life
- Historic records and items from Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Executive Branch
- Sports memorabilia reflecting the role of athletics in American culture
- A groundbreaking DNA-based storage device from the Library of Congress containing digitized treasures from the nation’s collection
- Objects representing American innovation, creativity, and everyday life in 2026
Developed in collaboration with experts from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Library of Congress, and the National Park Service, the capsule was carefully designed to preserve its contents for the next 250 years.
When it is opened in 2276, future generations will discover a snapshot of America at this historic milestone.
Learn more about the Time Capsule and its contents at https://america250.org/time-capsule.
Provided information
Photo: The America250 time capsule, left, and the bell jar that will fit on top of it, shown here in the machine shop where they were created at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Md. (Photo credit: Rich Press/NIST)
