The U.S. will bury a time capsule for its 250th birthday. Here's what's inside

Article excerpt

To mark its 250th birthday in 2026, the United States will bury a time capsule containing submissions from all three branches of federal government, all 50 states, five territories, and Washington, D.C. The capsule represents a snapshot of contemporary American life and values, preserved for future generations to discover. Items range from official documents and photographs to cultural artifacts reflecting the nation's current moment. The project underscores how Americans choose to represent themselves across centuries, embedding pieces of the present into the foundation of the future.