Two hundred and fifty years ago, Americans were busy trying to shake off British rule. Two hundred and fifty years from now, Congress hopes that some Americans will be gathered at the U.S. Capitol for the opening of a time capsule that will be sealed this year.
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the events of 1776, Congress has authorized the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule, which will be installed at the Visitor Center at the U.S. Capitol on July 4 with instructions to be opened on July 4, 2276. By then, the nation will be 500 years removed from the Declaration of Independence.
On Wednesday, Virginia’s congressional delegation issued a joint call for photographs to be considered for inclusion in the time capsule.
There’s not much time: Submissions are due June 12. You can submit here. Digital submissions only.
The submission form says: “Submit photos you think represent Virginia in 2026 — whether they capture everyday life, natural landscapes, historic places, community events, local traditions, work, recreation, or moments that reflect life across the Commonwealth. Be creative, but please only submit family-friendly content.”
Each state and territory delegation is allowed one jointly decided submission, the delegation says in a statement. The decision on what to include in Virginia’s submission will be made by the state’s 11 U.S. House members and two U.S. senators.
A different time capsule will be buried in Philadelphia, also with instructions to be opened in 2276. Its contents are to be decided separately.
For more on little-known aspects of Virginia’s role in independence, see our Cardinal 250 project. You can sign up for our monthly Cardinal 250 newsletter here:
