America's Time Capsule
America250 time capsule (left) and the bell jar that fits on top of it shown in the National Institute of Standards and Technology machine shop where they were created, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 2026. The bell jar will trap a pocket of air that will surround the capsule and protect it from water in case of flooding or if the water table at the burial site rises. Together, the two pieces weigh approximately one ton.
What Is in America’s Time Capsule?
Time capsules preserve a snapshot of history for future generations, capturing the people, culture, and achievements of an era—often in honor of an important milestone. For centuries they have served as a tangible connection between generations, inviting those who open them to discover and explore the lives of their predecessors. In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, in July 2016 the U.S. Congress established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and authorized...
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