Official time capsule to be buried in Philadelphia on July 4th, 2026 and reopened in 2276
America250, the national, nonpartisan organization charged by Congress with leading the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, today unveiled the design and initial contents of “America’s Time Capsule.” The vessel will be a once-in-a-generation national time capsule that will be buried at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026 and remain sealed until 2276.
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America’s Time Capsule is a once-in-a-generation national record created to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Led by America250, this official project will preserve a representative snapshot of the United States at 250 years to be seen in 2276, when America celebrates its 500th anniversary. On July 4, 2026, the capsule will be ceremonially buried at Independence National Historical Park, where it will remain sealed for 250 years as an enduring gift from today’s Americans to future generations.
Established in America250’s founding public law, the Time Capsule reflects a national responsibility to preserve a representative record of the United States at 250 years. Developed in collaboration with scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), preservation experts at the Library of Congress, and in coordination with the National Park Service, the capsule has been engineered to withstand 250 years underground. While other organizations are creating time capsules for the 250th anniversary, America’s Time Capsule is the official, congressionally mandated capsule representing the federal Commission and the full federation of states and territories.
“This is truly America’s Time Capsule,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “Congress called on us to create a lasting marker of this milestone, and we have worked with the country’s leading scientific and preservation experts to do so thoughtfully and responsibly. When it is opened in 2276, we want future generations to have a clear, authentic window into who we were at 250 – what we valued, what we built, and how we saw ourselves as a nation.”
A First Look at the Design: Engineered To Last
Unlike traditional box-shaped capsules, America’s Time Capsule is constructed as a precision-milled stainless steel cylindrical vessel built to NIST specifications. The tubular design reduces structural vulnerabilities by limiting potential failure points, addressing challenges that have compromised past time capsules buried in humid environments. A metal bell jar cover will create an air pocket around the capsule to mitigate water intrusion and keep the capsule dry over the long term.
“For this project, we had to think about both symbolism and execution,” said Tom Medema, Special Advisor and Project Manager. “From coordinating contributions across all three branches of government and 56 states and territories to overseeing design, materials, and testing, every step has required careful alignment. Our responsibility is to ensure that what we seal in 2026 remains protected for the people who open it in 2276.”
NIST scientists played a central role in advising on materials science and environmental durability, and the vessel will be built at the agency’s technology fabrication shop in Gaithersburg, Md.
“Because the capsule will be underground, it must be corrosion-resistant and impervious to gas and water. Building a seal to last decades is one thing, but 250 years is a whole different ballgame,” said Jay Nanninga, the NIST mechanical engineer who built it. “We are using the best materials and scientific know-how, so when they open this capsule up in 250 years, the contents will be dry and intact.”
What’s Inside
America250 will reveal the final capsule contents ahead of July 4. Initial confirmed contents include select items from the 2026 Rose Parade, student submissions from America250’s America’s Field Trip contest, one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia from our national sporting league partners, a handheld flag from an America Waves event, items from Congress, the Supreme Court and the Executive branch.
Ultimately, the capsule will include a carefully curated collection of letters and artifacts reflecting the leadership, institutions, and communities that shape the country today. This is truly “America’s Capsule” and will include contributions from all three branches of the U.S. federal government and submissions from each of the 50 states, Washington DC and five territories.
An Official Record
America’s Time Capsule is part of America250’s broader mission to engage 350 million Americans in the Semiquincentennial commemoration.
The capsule will be publicly displayed in Philadelphia in early July 2026 before being ceremonially buried on Independence Day. The National Park Service will oversee the capsule’s placement within Independence National Historical Park and incorporate its eventual opening into official park management records. Additional opportunities for public engagement, including a replica display at the White House Visitor Center this spring, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Renderings of the capsule and additional information are available at America250.org/Time-Capsule/.
About America 250
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.
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