Full Breakdown
America’s Time Capsule Sealed for the Nation’s 250th Anniversary
6/16/2026, 3:25:05 AM
Semiquincentennial Mandate
The 2016 public law creating the nonpartisan America250 commission mandated a national time capsule to be buried in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026 and opened in 2276, following earlier national capsules such as the 1876 “Century Safe” opened in 1976.
Sealing the Vessel: Design and Preservation
At NIST’s Gaithersburg shop, a 900-pound stainless-steel cylinder was sealed with an indium compression seal that fills microscopic gaps, ensuring watertight protection. A 1,100-pound stainless-steel bell jar will encase the capsule, creating an air pocket. It will be buried ten feet underground at Independence National Historical Park, a depth that would require six-foot flooding before water could breach the seal.
Contents: A Nationwide Snapshot
The capsule contains contributions from all three federal branches, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories—56 jurisdictions. Items are stored in archival boxes at 35 % humidity. Highlights include a synthetic-DNA vial with Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration, a North Atlantic right-whale bone from Maine, a diamond from Arkansas, an iPhone 17 Pro Max, a fusion semiconductor from California, and a 1914 Belgian Relief coin from Iowa. State submissions feature Utah’s historic cards, Arizona’s nano-etched Constitution coin, and cultural pieces such as a Coca-Cola commemorative bottle.
Official Statements & Responses
America250 Chair Rosie Rios said the sealed capsule reflects a remarkable record of this moment in the nation’s history. NIST’s Michael Berilla highlighted the engineering focus on water protection and described the sealing as an emotional milestone. Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen noted the Library’s role in preserving memory through the DNA-encoded collection. Vice Chair Cathy Gillespie called the project a bipartisan duty to ensure an enduring Semiquincentennial commemoration. Retired National Park Service official Tom Medema praised the grassroots collaboration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Once it was closed, it was a little bit anti-climactic, and then it was kind of really emotional,” — Michael Berilla, NIST
- “Now that America’s Time Capsule has been sealed, it carries with it a remarkable record of this moment in our nation’s history,” — Rosie Rios, Chair, America250
- “The Library of Congress is responsible for preserving the nation’s memory, and this contribution brings that mission into the future,” — Robert R. Newlen, Acting Librarian of Congress
- “America’s Time Capsule helps fulfill that responsibility by bringing together contributions from every state and territory, federal institutions, partners, and national programs into one shared record for future generations.” — Cathy Gillespie, Vice Chair, America250
Why It Matters
The capsule creates a curated, physical record of America at its 250th year, preserving cultural, scientific and civic artifacts for future scholars and linking past innovations with emerging technologies.
What’s Next
On July 4, 2026 the capsule will be buried at Independence National Historical Park, covered by a capstone with location details. The National Park Service will embed the site in its succession plan, ensuring identification for the opening on July 4, 2276. A second capsule is slated for the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.
