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America’s Time Capsule: 56 states and territories contribute artifacts for 250th anniversary

The 900-pound steel capsule holds more than 200 artifacts, including a Library of Congress DNA device, and is built to last 250 years.

  • On July 4, 2026, a 900-pound steel time capsule was buried at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia to mark the nation's 250th anniversary.
  • America250 coordinated with all 50 U.S. states and five territories to gather artifacts representing local history, culture, and innovation across the United States.
  • Artifacts include Thomas Jefferson's rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, an 1898 audio recording by John Philip Sousa's band, and modern items like an iPhone 17 Pro Max.
  • Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker spoke at the ceremony near Independence Hall, where attendee Johnathan Weissman said he felt "full of emotions, really, just thinking about 250 years from now."
  • Designed to withstand the elements for 250 years, the cylinder will be reopened on July 4, 2276, beneath an art installation based on Ben Franklin's "Join or Die" cartoon.
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When more than two centuries of the independence of the United States are fulfilled, the country has wanted to send a message to its future self of 2276. Yesterday the official capsule America250 was buried underground with very clear instructions not to open it until within 250 years. By then it will be the 500th birthday of the country and the task of opening this chest of time will have passed from generation to generation. The treasure will …

·Spain
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A time capsule containing artifacts from the United States' present and past was placed in the ground on Saturday.

·Budapest, Hungary
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WFLD broke the news in Chicago, United States on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
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