‘America’s Time Capsule’ sealed with beaded artwork from Montana

In the year 2276 … who knows what the world will look like. But Americans celebrating the 500th anniversary of the United States will get a glimpse into the past — 250 years into the past to be exact.

As part of the America 250 events this weekend celebrating the country’s semiquincentennial, a time capsule was buried at Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia containing contributions from the three federal government branches, all 50 states, D.C. and the five U.S. territories, as well as partner groups and institutions.

Montana’s contribution to the time capsule was a beaded artwork by Apsáalooke/Arikara/Hidatsa artist Karis Jackson of Browning, Montana.

“I take pride in where I come from and what I do, as I was taught since I was very young,” Jackson said in a statement. “Each piece is my own vision — an intersection of creativity and expression, but also a way of honoring the past.”

The work is described by the Montana Historical Society as depicting the state of Montana in the colors of the state flag, surrounding a bison, “an animal of enduring significance to the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home since time immemorial.” Within the bison silhouette is a mountainous landscape featuring the state flower — bitterroot — and state bird — the western meadowlark.

The artwork was commissioned by the Montana 250th Commission for $1,000, specifically for inclusion in the time capsule and is the only object representing Montana.

“Karis Jackson’s beadwork carries Montana’s story forward in a way that is both beautiful and enduring,” Molly Kruckenberg, director of the Montana Historical Society, said. “We are honored to send her work as Montana’s contribution to this national milestone.”

Montana is one of the few states that included a single object in the time capsule. Many states included letters from elected officials, coins, and other representative objects.