America’s Time Capsule Is Sealed: Here’s What New York Added

Imagine someone opening a box 250 years from now to learn what life was like in America today.

That's the idea behind the America's Time Capsule, which has officially been sealed and will remain unopened until 2276.

A Time Capsule for America's 500th Birthday

As part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration, the United States created a massive time capsule filled with items representing the country today. The capsule will be buried at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, and won't be opened again for another 250 years.

Inside are contributions from all three branches of the federal government, all 50 states, Washington, D.C., five U.S. territories, national organizations and America250 programs. Together, the items tell the story of who we are in 2026.

Here's What New York Put Inside the America 250 Time Capsule

New York selected just two items to represent the Empire State for future generations.

A Custom America 250 Coin

The first item is a specially minted America 250 New York commemorative coin.

Read More: Record July 4 Traffic Expected: When Utica Drivers Should Leave 

One side celebrates America's 250th birthday, while the reverse honors Kingston, New York, recognizing it as New York's first capital in 1777.

It's a small piece of history that highlights New York's important role in the birth of our nation.

A Reflection From New York

The second item is a written reflection submitted by New York State.

While details of the document haven't been released, it's intended to capture what New York represents today and preserve those thoughts for people living 250 years from now.

Some of the Other Treasures Inside America's Time Capsule

New York isn't the only state sending a piece of history into the future. The time capsule is packed with hundreds of fascinating items from across the country that capture what America looks like in 2026.

Here are just a few of the unique items that made the cut:

• Arkansas included a natural diamond, a nod to the state's only public diamond mine.
• Maine contributed a North Atlantic right whale bone, representing one of the world's most endangered whale species.
• Arizona submitted a stainless steel coin with the entire Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution nano-etched onto it.
• California included a poem, a fusion superconductor, a quantum computing chip, and a NASA photo of Earth taken from space, highlighting the state's leadership in science and innovation.
• Ohio chose a piece of fabric from the Wright brothers' original Flyer, celebrating the state's aviation history.

The capsule also includes some incredible national artifacts, including a pocket Constitution signed by the current U.S. Supreme Court justices, a crystal from the 2026 Times Square New Year's Eve Ball, an NFL America250 commemorative coin, a message in a Coca-Cola bottle, and memorabilia from the 2026 Rose Parade.

America 250 Time Capsule to Open in 2276

It's kind of incredible to think that everything inside this capsule is meant for people who won't be born for generations. They'll get a glimpse into what America looked like, what mattered to us, and how each state chose to tell its story.

Get our free mobile app

And when they open it in 2276, I wonder what they'd think...