What Alabama put in the America250 time capsule to be reopened in 2276
“This moment is as much about the future as it is the past."
Mason Reed 
From the release of commemorative coins to a UFC fight on the White House lawn, the 250th anniversary of the United States has been marked by a variety of high-profile celebrations. Now, 205focus.com is looking at a permanent piece of that history.
Preserving a Moment in History
America250, the organization tasked with leading the nation’s 250th anniversary efforts, has finalized its time capsule. This collection includes contributions from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., five U.S. territories, the three branches of the federal government, and various partner organizations.
The capsule was officially sealed last week at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, Maryland. It is scheduled to be buried at Independence National Historical Park on July 4, where it will remain tucked away until its scheduled reopening in 2276.
What Alabama Contributed
To ensure a wide-reaching representation of the country, organizers worked closely with state anniversary commissions to select items. According to the organization, Alabama is represented in the capsule by a series of commissioned poems titled “America,” written by James Matthew Wilson.
Reflecting on the significance of the project, America250 Chair Rosie Rios noted that the capsule serves as a vital record for the future. “This moment is as much about the future as it is the past,” Rios said in a statement. “When it is opened in 2276, future generations will see the care, pride, and optimism with which Americans marked our 250th anniversary.”
For those interested in seeing what other states contributed to this historical archive, you can view the full list of contents here.
