Philadelphia unseals 1976 time capsule for America250

As part of the America250 celebrations in Philadelphia, a time capsule originally sealed in 1976 was unsealed at the Independence Visitor Center. The capsule, which contained the names of 816 children, a book of photographs, newspaper clippings, and letters—including one from former Mayor Frank Rizzo—was opened by current elementary students from the General George A. McCall School.

The event served as a day of civic learning organized by the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. In addition to the unsealing, students participated in activities designed to connect them with democratic processes, including meeting with members of Pennsylvania’s appellate courts and observing legislative sessions. The ceremony included remarks from Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton and Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty.