Lauge Risom Koch 
A 900-pound time capsule celebrating America’s 250th anniversary has been sealed and will remain underground until 2276. According to The Associated Press, the capsule contains hundreds of items from across the United States, including a diamond, a whale bone, historical documents and messages intended for future generations.
As the United States prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of its independence, a massive time capsule packed with artifacts from across the country has been sealed and readied for burial in Philadelphia.
According to The Associated Press (AP), the capsule will remain unopened until 2276, offering future generations a snapshot of America in 2026.
Built to last
The 900-pound stainless steel capsule was created under a 2016 law establishing the nonpartisan America250 commission.
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AP reports that engineers spent years designing a watertight structure capable of protecting its contents for 250 years underground.
The capsule will be buried 10 feet below the surface and is designed to withstand moisture, temperature fluctuations and extreme weather.
Messages from America
Contributions came from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, five US territories and the three branches of the federal government.
According to AP, paper-based submissions proved especially popular, with states sending letters, poems, posters, postcards and historical documents.
New Hampshire included material highlighting its Revolutionary War history, while California submitted an artificial intelligence-generated prediction of what the state might look like in 2276.
Unusual artifacts
Some states chose more unconventional items.
AP reports that Arkansas contributed a diamond, while Maine included a bone from the endangered North Atlantic right whale.
Arizona used nano-etching technology to place the full text of the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence onto a stainless steel coin.
Certain items were rejected if they could deteriorate over time, including a submission of Old Bay seasoning from Maryland.
Looking ahead
The project follows earlier national time capsules created for America’s centennial and bicentennial celebrations.
According to AP, the National Park Service has taken steps to ensure future generations know where the capsule is located and can retrieve it in 2276.
Among the items inside is a letter from the team that built the capsule, addressed to the Americans who will eventually open it.
“Greetings from the living, breathing hearts and hands of 2026,” the message begins.
The complete list of contributed items can be found on the America250 website.
Sources: Associated Press (AP), KTSM (X), America250
