Inside Ohio's gift to the future
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The America250 time capsule (left) and cover are seen where they were created at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Photo: Rich Press/NIST
From a piece of the Wright brothers' Flyer to a "Heart of It All" pin, Ohio has picked the artifacts that will represent the state in a national time capsule honoring America's 250th birthday.
Why it matters: The America250-Ohio collection captures the Buckeye State in 2026 — its history, priorities and identity — for future Americans opening the capsule in 2276.
What's inside: The pieces blend symbols of Ohio's past with markers of its present.
- To represent Ohio in 2026, there's a copy of the State of the State address Gov. Mike DeWine delivered in March. It focused on economic development, workforce growth, literacy and population growth.
- The historical items point to Ohio's role in aviation, Indigenous history and the fight against slavery.
Zoom in: A piece of fabric comes from the Wright Flyer, the aircraft Dayton natives Wilbur and Orville Wright used in the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
- A coin honors the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, the human-made landmarks dating back at least 1,600 years that became the state's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- There's an America250-Ohio commemorative coin and pin. Another coin highlights the Underground Railroad and the freedom seekers who crossed the Ohio River.
The big picture: America's Time Capsule includes items from all 50 states, six territories, the federal government and America250 partners, ranging from a Phillies-Rangers Opening Day lineup card to an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- The America250-Ohio Commission gathered input from communities across all 88 counties.
What's next: The capsule will be buried July 4 beneath a new sculpture at Philadelphia's Independence Mall.
- It will remain sealed for 250 years before being reopened for America's 500th birthday.