FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Contact: Soojin Choi |347-556-6335| press@johnliusenate.com

FLUSHING, NY - State Senator John Liu today sealed the America 250 Time Capsule at the Main Street - Flushing branch of the Queens Public Library. The time capsule will remain on public display at the library for the next 50 years until it is opened on the nation’s tricentennial on July 4, 2076.

Senator Liu’s office organized the community time capsule project in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Over the last month, he asked the community to contribute their own messages, essays, photos, artwork, and other mementos that help tell the story of our time and reflect the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of New Yorkers for the future.

Included in the time capsule are the winning essays from Senator Liu’s America 250 Essay Contest, handwritten letters and messages collected at his America 250 celebration, family photographs, memorabilia and promotional materials from local businesses and community-based organizations, and even a New York Knicks championship pennant. Senator Liu also included his own letter and a book he wrote as a child when he was a fourth-grade student commemorating the nation’s bicentennial in 1976. Other contributions include symbols of the day, such as an iPhone and pennies. 

State Senator John Liu stated, “This time capsule captures the voices and messages of our generation along with inspiring messages of hope addressed to future generations. We received countless notes from parents to their children, messages from children to their future selves, and letters of hope addressed to the New Yorkers who will open this time capsule in 2076. While we don’t yet know what the future will bring, we know that these memories will endure, and we seal this time capsule with the hope that those who open it in 50 years will be similarly inspired by our optimism and shared humanity that continues to make America the greatest nation in history.” 

Dennis M. Walcott, President and CEO of Queens Public Library, stated, “When this capsule is opened during our nation’s tricentennial in 2076, it will tell a compelling story of the remarkable diversity that defines our borough, reflecting the lives, hopes, and experiences of the people who helped shape this moment in its history. We are proud to take part in preserving these important memories and that Senator Liu has chosen Flushing Library as their home for the next 50 years.”

City Council Member Sandra Ung stated, “In 50 years, a new generation of Queens residents will open this time capsule and get a glimpse into the lives, hopes, and dreams of people today. Our nation's 250th anniversary is a time to reflect on our shared journey and the values that bring us together, but it's also a time to look forward and imagine the future we want to build. I’m happy to be part of this celebration of America and time capsule sealing.”

State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic stated, “As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, this time capsule captures a snapshot of who we are today and preserves it for future generations. I hope that, 50 years from now, those who open it will see a community that valued its history, celebrated its diversity, and came together to mark this historic milestone. This is quite a meaningful project.” 

State Senator Leroy Comrie stated, “As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, it is important that we preserve the stories and experiences that define this moment in our nation’s history. The America 250 Community Time Capsule is a meaningful way to ensure future generations can reflect on the people, values and communities that helped shape our country. I am honored to be part of bringing this initiative to life and to give the people of Queens an opportunity to leave their mark on history. Together, we are preserving a legacy that will educate and inspire generations to come” 

City Comptroller Mark Levine stated, “America was founded with the foresight to allow future generations to mold its character, while relying on the framework the founders set forth of freedom, democracy, and unity behind those ideas. The sealing of this time capsule honors that forward-looking American tradition in the context of what those ideas mean to New Yorkers in 2026. This is a declaration that in Queens – the most diverse urban area in the world – we have a vision for the future of New York City and America which is rooted in progress, and the drive to deliver on that vision.”

The America 250 Time Capsule will be publicly displayed for the next 50 years at the Queens Library’s Flushing branch until July 4, 2076 when it will be opened during the nation’s tricentennial.