America250 time capsule sealed until 2276: What did each state contribute?

(NEXSTAR) – A meaningful project intended to document America’s identity took another major step in recent days, but you’d be forgiven for missing it amid the White House’s UFC fights and motocross extravaganza.

America250, the non-partisan committee tasked with preparing celebrations for the nation’s 250th (and a completely separate group from the Trump-backed Freedom 250 organization), has sealed its so-called “America’s Time Capsule,” which holds contributions from every state and territory in the U.S. Its organizers are hoping the time capsule — which is intended to remain sealed for another 250 years — will fulfill a “responsibility” to commemorate American viewpoints on the past, present and beyond.

“This moment is as much about the future as it is the past,” Rosie Rios, the chair of America250, said. “When it is opened in 2276, future generations will see the care, pride, and optimism with which Americans marked our 250th anniversary.”

The capsule itself will be buried on July 4, in Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park. It’ll be dug up on the same date in 2276, when its contents will help “tell the story” of America at 250 years old, organizers hope.

Contributions to the time capsule were collected from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories. Officials from the three branches of government provided artifacts and documents, while several “America250 Partners” (which include Apple, Coca-Cola and the Smithsonian Institution) donated items as well. America250 also “selected” specific content to include to “represent its national programming.”

Strictly forbidden from inclusion were items that might rust, degrade, decompose, or rot. For example, Maryland had reportedly wanted to include Old Bay seasoning, but it was rejected, according to the Associated Press.

As for what is specifically inside, America250 said each state has contributed the following items. Further details of each item can be found on the official America250 website.

Alabama: Poems by James Matthew Wilson

Alaska: An archival map of the Russian settlement of New Archangel (a settlement that became Sitka) circa 1867; and a copy of the Alaska Territory flag from 1927.

American Samoa: Uncirculated coins

Arizona: Two copper ingots, one stamped with an “Arizona America 250” and another with the outline of the state; an Arizona state quarter; two commemorative challenge coins, including one laser-etched with the entirety of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution; and letters from the Arizona America 250 Commission and the Arizona secretary of state.

Arkansas: A diamond from the state’s Crater of Diamonds; and a letter from Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

California: A letter from Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife, a fusion superconductor; a “California Innovation $1 Coin” commemorating Steve Jobs and Pixar; a poem by Lee Herrick; a photo of California from space; a quantum computing chip; and an AI-generated prediction of what California will be like in 2276. (The prediction reportedly says California will secede and become part of a “Pacific Federation” along with Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, according to AP.

Colorado: A proclamation from Governor Jared Polis; a commemorative challenge coin highlighting both America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th; a state quarter; some of the last pennies ever pressed at the Denver Mint; and poscarts.

Connecticut: An official proclamation; a commemorative pin; commemorative stickers; a........

© The Hill