A ceremony was held at George Washington’s Mount Vernon on January 7, 2026, to mark the presentation of a titanium “twin” Time Capsule and a Capstone from the George Washington Statue in London’s Trafalgar Square to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The event was organized as part of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence and highlights ongoing cooperation between Virginia and the United Kingdom.
Governor Glenn Youngkin said, “As the birthplace of American independence and the home of George Washington, Virginia is honored to help lead this meaningful commemoration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. The presentation of this Time Capsule and Capstone to Secretary Burgum and the Trump Administration reflects the enduring bond between the United States and the United Kingdom, a special relationship forged through history, strengthened by shared sacrifice, and sustained by our common commitment to liberty and self-government. This tribute connects our past to our future and reaffirms that the ideals that began in Virginia continue to unite free peoples on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The artifacts will be installed under the plaza at the Washington Monument later in spring 2026 as part of nationwide commemorations. The Time Capsule is identical to one placed under London’s George Washington Statue during its rededication in June 2025. The Capstone is carved from an original Portland limestone step replaced during restoration work on that statue.
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin commented, “As we reflect on shared values and intertwined histories, we felt it appropriate to mark the uniqueness of the VA-UK relationship as part of Virginia’s celebrations around the 250th. This Time Capsule and Capstone, which will be installed this spring at the epicenter of our nation’s iconic National Mall, serve as a unique and timeless reminder of our two Nations’ enduring commitment to freedom and friendship.”
U.S. Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum accepted these items on behalf of his department: “The 250th anniversary of American independence is an opportunity to reflect on where we began and the values that continue to guide us. The Department is proud to accept this time capsule, presented through the partnership of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United Kingdom, to connect America’s past, present, and future, while recognizing an enduring alliance with long-time partners around the world. This administration, under President Donald J. Trump, will continue to preserve the American story, ensuring that the principles, sacrifices, and shared history that shaped our nation remain alive and accessible for generations to come.”
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy represented UK leadership at Mount Vernon: “Time capsules are about speaking to the future. I am confident that when this treasure is opened up by our descendants, they will find Britain and America still the closest of friends and the surest of allies. Two free, multi-racial, English-speaking peoples anchoring our great Western family. This is who we are: a family based on freedom, a family that never tires in its pursuit of greatness and new horizons.”
The ceremony also included participation from students whose entries won Virginia’s Expressions of Freedom competition; their works were added among other documents inside the capsule.
Both artifacts are set for installation beneath black granite flagstones sourced from Canada—a country within Britain’s commonwealth—at a location aligned with Trafalgar Square in London (heading 49.5 degrees). Contents planned for inclusion before installation feature letters from President Donald Trump and King Charles III alongside proclamations from senior officials.
More details about Friends of Washington Statue initiatives can be found at www.washingtonstatue.org.
