The U.S. Virgin Islands has been given a rare opportunity to leave a message for future generations as part of America’s Official Time Capsule, a historic project commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett announced that she has been selected to submit an item on behalf of the territory for inclusion in the time capsule, which will be sealed on July 4 and remain unopened until 2276.
The initiative will bring together contributions from states and territories across the nation, preserving pieces of American life, culture, and history for the next 250 years. When the capsule is eventually opened, those living in the 23rd century will gain a glimpse into the people, traditions, and values that shaped communities throughout the United States and its territories in 2026.
Rather than selecting the Virgin Islands’ contribution on her own, Plaskett has invited residents to help determine what should represent the territory in the historic collection.
Virgin Islanders are being asked to choose from three options that reflect different aspects of the territory’s cultural identity.
The first option, “Option A,” is a yard of traditional Virgin Islands madras fabric accompanied by an archival description explaining its significance to the territory’s heritage. Madras has long been associated with Virgin Islands culture and is prominently featured during Carnival celebrations, cultural ceremonies, and performances by moko jumbies.
The second option, “Option B,” is a photobook featuring black-and-white images documenting everyday life across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. The collection would capture businesses, neighborhoods, schools, sporting events, artistic expression, graduations, and other moments that reflect the character of the Virgin Islands community.
The third option, “Option C,” is a collection of recipes for kallaloo and steamed fish and fungi, accompanied by information detailing the dishes’ roots in African heritage, island fishing traditions, and local culinary practices.
To vote, residents can simply comment the letter of their choice under Plaskett’s Facebook post.
In a statement provided to the Source, Plaskett said, “I would like to thank everyone who weighed in, debated, and voted on what should represent our territory in America’s Official Time Capsule.”
“I am very pleased with the positive participation from Virgin Islanders in our social media survey on the different options to place in the time capsule. That engagement itself says something powerful about who we are as a people. We love our culture, we are proud of our history, and we take seriously the responsibility of telling our own story,” she said.
According to Plaskett, every state and territorial delegation in Congress has been invited to participate in the initiative. She said involving Virgin Islanders in the selection process was an important part of ensuring the submission reflects the people of the territory.
“Every state and territorial delegation in Congress has been asked to participate, and I didn’t think it was fair for me alone to make the decision, so we decided to ask Virgin Islanders to help me choose,” she said.
With the tremendous participation, Plaskett said she is extending the voting period until Sunday evening.
“I am very excited about our time capsule submission on behalf of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and I look forward to announcing the winning selection on June 17,” she said.
Plaskett said she hopes the selected item will serve as a meaningful representation of the territory for generations to come.
“When this capsule is opened in 2276, it is my hope and prayer that the generations who come after us — 250 years from now — will be blessed by the submission, and that they will see in it the richness, resilience, and beauty of the Virgin Islands people,” she said. “We are making this decision together, as a community, and that makes it all the more meaningful.”
For the territory, the project offers a unique chance to preserve a piece of its culture and identity, ensuring that centuries from now, future generations will know who Virgin Islanders were and what they valued.
