SHOW-ME AMERICA 250 TIME CAPSULE
As the United States prepare for the 250th celebration, the Missouri State Archives, in collaboration with the America 250 Missouri Commission, are calling for the public to join us with a new project. From now through December 31st, 2026, we are accepting items of Missouriana to be placed in a time capsule.
Our "time capsule" will look different than what most people picture. Rather than being buried or encased in cement, our time capsule will live in our rare documents vault – the perfect place for artifacts to grow old.
CRITERIA
Missouri organizations and businesses, as well as Missouri citizens are invited to contribute up to three flat items: one to represent your past, one to represent your present, and a note to future Missourians.
Items should measure no larger than 8.5 x 14 inches – i.e. no larger than legal size paper – and combined be no more than a quarter inch thick. Entities are also encouraged to submit a challenge coin or lapel pins smaller than 2 x 2 x .5 inches as one of their items.
For the safety of our collections, we are unable to accept the following:
- Anything with a battery (or electrical circuit)
- Digital files
- Non-Archival Plastics
- Food
- Plant and Animal materials (e.g. seeds, leaves, insect specimens)
- Liquids and Gels
SUBMISSIONS
Early submissions are encouraged because space will be limited. Not all items submitted may be accepted into the time capsule. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel from the Show-Me 250 Commission, the State Archives, and Secretary of State’s Office.
Those interested in submitting items for the time capsule should complete the submission form (PDF) and email it to [email protected]
Contributions will be accepted through December 31, 2026, anything after that date will not be considered. After completing the online contribution form, your submission will be reviewed and you will be notified. All decisions will be made by January 2027.
FOCUS AREAS
Looking for ideas on what will make the cut? We’re in search of items that tell a distinctly Missouri story – images of famous people born here or who made their careers here, postcards of notable locations around the state, photos of unique historical activists or events, documents representing Missouri entities like business trademarks or sports trading cards.
Culture
a. Cultural activities. Are you a foodie? Share your Missouri-made recipes. What music did your family enjoy? How did grandma and grandpa get about the city? Has anyone in your family worked in a now vanished business or institution (think mom and pop shop, one-room schoolhouse or VHS rental store)? What are your farming practices, or better yet, those of past generations? How did your people entertain themselves in the 19th, 20th or 21st century? Etc.
b. Historically underrepresented groups. Action photographs and those with a story are preferred over studio and informal portraits. Did the subject(s) break barriers? Do something awesome? How did they triumph over adversity? Keep their culture alive? Etc.
Events
a. Important events in Missouri history (1904 World’s Fair, 1911 Capitol fire, Great Flood of 1993, COVID-19 pandemic, etc.)
b. Lesser-known events that affected our state (1875 grasshopper plague, 1968 Kansas City riots, 1985 “I-70” World Series, etc.)
c. Local festivals (harvest, music, food, arts, etc.)
d. Other events that had a public impact (local parades, grand openings, etc.)
People
a. Not-so-famous Missourians whose achievement(s) affected more than just family. All the better if the subject is depicted mid-achievement. (The first woman to hold office in your county. A scientist demonstrating a breakthrough. An advocate for significant legislation. A town’s founder. Artists, authors, musicians, anyone who made an impact.)
b. Famous Missourians. Again, action photographs and those with a story are preferred over studio and informal portraits.
Places
a. Important sites (landmarks, battlefields, tourist attractions, etc.)
b. Architecture (unique construction methods, historic homes, covered bridges, etc.)
c. Natural sites (outdoor destinations, state parks, etc.)
d. Missouri businesses
Inspiration:
View previous public record drives in the following Missouri Digital Heritage Collections -
Vanishing Missouri (1991-1996)
Missouri Bicentennial (2021-2024)
Office of the Secretary of State Official Manual Photograph Contests (1987-2025 with gaps)
OPENING
The Show-Me America 250 Time Capsule will be sealed in early 2027, at an event in Jefferson City hosted by the Missouri State Archives. Once sealed, the time capsule will rest with the Missouri State Archives until 2076, when it will be re-opened to the public.