Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, together with leaders from the United Kingdom, presented 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 items are set to be installed later this spring under the plaza at the Washington Monument as part of events marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The presentation ceremony took place on January 7, 2026, at George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. The initiative is part of efforts led by Friends of the Washington Statue, a preservation non-profit organization. The ceremony included senior dignitaries such as Governor Youngkin, U.S. Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum, and U.K. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.
“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,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “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 Time Capsule mirrors one placed under the restored George Washington Statue in London during its rededication on June 18, 2025. The Capstone was carved from an original Portland limestone step replaced during restoration work on that statue.
“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,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Honorary Chair of Friends of the Washington Statue. “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 stated: “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 added: “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.”
Students from Virginia participated in creating contents for inclusion in the Time Capsule through a statewide Expressions of Freedom competition.
The capsule was designed by architect Lord Norman Foster with instructions for it not be reopened until July 4th in 2276—500 years after American independence was declared—and contains items such as student entries from Virginia’s competition; letters from U.S., U.K., President Donald Trump and King Charles III; donor lists; proclamations; soil samples from Sulgrave Manor (Washington’s ancestral home in England) echoing soil donated by Mount Vernon for London’s capsule; among other artifacts.
Both commemorative items will be placed beneath black granite flagstones sourced from Canada—a member country within Britain’s Commonwealth—on a direct line between central points at both monuments using a heading matching their geographic connection.
More information can be found at www.washingtonstatue.org.
