America’s 250th anniversary of independence is being celebrated on the Fourth of July, this very week. And celebrations are taking place across the country. Tractor pulls. Concerts. Competitions. UFC Fights on the white house lawn.  

But there’s another, slightly quieter, event happening in Philadelphia this year for America250: the burying of a time capsule.  

America’s Time Capsule, as it’s called, has been sealed and will be buried in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia on the Fourth of July. The hermetically sealed cylinder will be not be opened until July 4, 2276. It will contain memorabilia from the three branches of the federal government, partner organizations, and all fifty states. Amid the challenge coins, letters, pictures, and postcards, a few unique items stand out. A pocket constitution signed by 11 past and present Supreme Court Justices. An Olympic Gold Medal. A piece of fabric from the original 1903 Wright Flyer.  

For me, there’s a kind of temporal vertigo I feel when thinking about these things lying in wait until 2276. It seems like an amazingly long time, and makes me grateful that our republic has existed for such a period already. Who knows what kind of world these items may enter 250 years from now. And it falls to us to do all we can to ensure that that future is a bright one.  

That question is one I posed to Derrick Morgan, Executive Vice President here at the Heritage Foundation.  

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