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Dear Friend,

Poetry. Paintings. Pop culture. Planes. What belongs in a time capsule?  

From art that inspires to science that sparks innovation—Smithsonian’s collection of over 157 million objects and specimens provides a glimpse into America’s past 250 years. Pick the ones you think future generations should remember.
What Will You Choose? »
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Collage of objects from across the Smithsonian including Chuck Berry's guitar, the George Washington Lansdowne Portrait, the Apollo 11 Command Module, Amelia Earhart's Flight Suit, and a ceramic jar with cork containing plastic Y2K bugs
Dear Friend,

The Smithsonian’s museums are filled with objects that have carried meaning across generations—each exhibition, a kind of time capsule to be explored. 

As we celebrate the nation’s milestone anniversary, we want to know what Smithsonian objects you think best represent 250 years of America. 

The desk where the country’s founding document was drafted? Or maybe the lunar landing module that led to one giant leap for mankind? Explore a selection of treasures from across the institution and curate the perfect Smithsonian time capsule... no digging required.
Curate Your Capsule »

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Our Shared Future 250
Image credits: Gibson Guitar Corp., Electric guitar belonging to Chuck Berry, nicknamed "Maybellene," 1959, Donation of Charles E. Berry, Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture; Arnold, Constable & Company, Amelia Earhart’s Flight Suit, c. 1920, Gift of Mrs. Frank V. Williamson, Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum; North American Rockwell, Command Module, Apollo 11, 1969, Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum; Gilbert Stuart, George Washington (Lansdowne Portrait) , 1796, acquired as a gift to the nation through the generosity of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery; Ceramic Jar with Cork Containing Plastic Y2K Bugs, 1999-2000, Gift of Jan Lilja, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History