WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation has selected a steel plaque honoring the state’s industrial heritage for inclusion in the America 250 Congressional Time Capsule, linking the commonwealth’s steelmaking legacy to a national project marking the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The plaque, submitted by U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., in collaboration with U.S. Steel and the United Steelworkers, will become Pennsylvania’s official contribution to the time capsule, which Congress directed the Architect of the Capitol to assemble and seal in the Capitol Visitor Center until the nation’s 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276.
The plaque bears the inscription, “Forged in steel from the birthplace of the United States of America,” recognizing Pennsylvania’s role in the nation’s founding and its longstanding steel industry.
Under the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act, each state’s congressional delegation and each U.S. territory may contribute one item representing its history for inclusion in the capsule.
Fetterman said he hoped future generations would recognize Pennsylvania’s historical role in the nation’s development and the contributions of its steelworkers.
“At our country’s 500th birthday, when the capsule is reopened, I hope all those present will understand just how awesome Pennsylvania and our steelworkers have always been,” Fetterman said.
The submission also included a letter from members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation signed by Fetterman, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., and U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa.; Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa.; Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa.; and Madeleine Dean, D-Pa.
“When this capsule is opened on our nation’s 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276, we hope the history of Pennsylvania and the legacy of its steelworkers serve as a generational reminder of the birthplace of the United States of America and those who helped build it,” the lawmakers wrote.
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