South Dakota Contributes to 250-Year Time Capsule Project

Rhoden letter and Vermillion author's poem selected for America250 time capsule

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:35pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred, overlapping shapes in warm, earthy tones, evoking a sense of timelessness and preservation.South Dakota's literary voices will be preserved in a nationwide time capsule, capturing the state's unique cultural heritage for future generations.Vermillion Today

South Dakota has finalized its contributions to a nationwide 250-year time capsule project ahead of the United States' Semiquincentennial anniversary. The state's nonpartisan America250SD commission selected a letter from author Kathleen Norris Rhoden and a poem by a Vermillion-based writer to be included in the time capsule.

Why it matters

The America250 time capsule project is a nationwide effort to preserve artifacts and documents that capture the diversity of American experiences and perspectives leading up to the country's 250th anniversary. South Dakota's selections aim to represent the state's unique cultural and literary heritage as part of this historic preservation initiative.

The details

The America250SD commission, created by former Governor Kristi Noem in 2023, chose a letter from acclaimed author Kathleen Norris Rhoden and a poem by a Vermillion-based writer to be included in the time capsule. The commission believed Rhoden's letter and the Vermillion poet's work, titled "This Far Country", best encapsulated South Dakota's distinctive viewpoint within the limited space allotted to each state.

  • The America250 time capsule project was launched in July 2023.
  • South Dakota finalized its contributions in April 2026, ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary.

The players

America250SD

A nonpartisan organization created by former Governor Kristi Noem in July 2023 to plan activities in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Kathleen Norris Rhoden

An acclaimed author from South Dakota whose letter was selected for inclusion in the America250 time capsule.

Vermillion-based writer

A poet from Vermillion, South Dakota whose work titled "This Far Country" was chosen for the time capsule.

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The takeaway

South Dakota's contributions to the America250 time capsule project aim to preserve the state's unique literary and cultural heritage as part of a nationwide effort to commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary.