States contribute artifacts to 900-pound Congressional time capsule ahead of July 4 burial

Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act·February 9 – July 3, 2026

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States contribute artifacts to 900-pound Congressional time capsule ahead of July 4 burial

The federal government and all 50 states are finalizing contributions for a 900-pound steel time capsule scheduled for burial at the U.S. Capitol on July 4, 2026. This project follows enacted legislation that directs the Architect of the Capitol to create a container to document American life in 2026. The capsule is designed to remain sealed for 250 years until the nation's 500th anniversary in 2276. The $3.7 million project utilizes expertise from federal scientists and the Library of Congress to preserve artifacts more effectively than previous efforts. While the initiative was initially proposed through bipartisan House legislation, the final burial plans involve a massive four-foot-wide vessel intended to withstand centuries underground.

S. 3705U.S. 250th Anniversary: Congressional Time Capsule H.R. 6243U.S. 250th Anniversary: Congressional Time CapsuleWhat our states are adding to America's Time Capsule'America's Time Capsule' will bury artifacts underground for 250 yearsThe Rival Groups Waging an Expensive Battle Over America's 250th

Policies

S. 3705 and H.R. 6243 are companion bills introduced to coordinate the project between both chambers of Congress. S. 3705 is the version that was successfully enacted into law, while H.R. 6243 remains stalled in committee.

U.S. 250th Anniversary: Congressional Time Capsule

S. 3705

U.S. 250th Anniversary: Congressional Time Capsule

H.R. 6243

News

What our states are adding to America's Time Capsule

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The Rival Groups Waging an Expensive Battle Over America's 250th

news_articleCenter

'America's Time Capsule' will bury artifacts underground for 250 years

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