America is burying a time capsule in Philly for the nation's 250th birthday

Driving the news: America250, the congressionally charged birthday bash planner, unveiled the design of America's time capsule this week.

• The vessel is being ceremonially buried at Independence National Historical Park on July 4 — and will be reopened on America's 500th birthday in 2276.

Zoom in: The stainless steel capsule — designed by scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) — will include items from the 2026 Rose Parade, rare sports memorabilia and student submissions from America250's Field Trip contest, among other curated items.

What they're saying: The time capsule is a "lasting marker of this milestone," America250 chair Rosie Rios said in a statement. "We want future generations to have a clear, authentic window into who we were at 250."

How it works: Constructed at NIST's headquarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the capsule has a tubular design makes it more secure than a box shape.

• A metal bell jar creates an air pocket to keep out water.

What we're watching: The final contents are being revealed before July 4.