MADISON, Wis — (June 11, 2026)
As part of the America250 national celebration, a time capsule will be buried on July 4, 2026, at Independence National Historical Park, in Philadelphia, PA. America’s Time Capsule contains objects from all 56 U.S. states and territories and the three branches of the federal government. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum contributed items that represent the state of Wisconsin and its many people.
Wisconsin’s submission includes items related to Old Abe the Civil War eagle: a feather of Old Abe’s, a photocard of Old Abe sold at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, and a military badge with his likeness. In addition to the Old Abe materials, letters from Wisconsin’s Governor Tony Evers, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, State Supreme Court Chief Justice Jill J. Karofsky, Wisconsin Senator Dianne Hesselbein, and Wisconsin Veterans Museum Director Chris Kolakowski were sent. Rounding out the submission are items from Native Nations within the state. Two of those Nations, the Oneida and Stockbridge-Munsee, fought with the colonies during the War of Independence.
“It is an honor to help assemble this message for generations 250 years in the future. As we considered what to include, Old Abe was a standout choice. He was a star of Wisconsin’s contribution to the Centennial Exposition in 1876 and remains and enduring symbol of the state to this day,” said Wisconsin Veterans Museum Director Chris Kolakowski.
As an official America250 project, America’s Time Capsule creates a national record of the United States at 250 that will not be seen again until 2276. When the capsule is opened on the nation’s 500th anniversary, this enduring gift to our descendants will provide clarity and context about the state of the nation in 2026.
ABOUT OLD ABE
Orphaned in the North Woods, the eaglet was captured by Ogimaa Weigiizhig, Chief Sky, of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians in 1861. The eaglet was sold and later offered to a militia company in Eau Claire. The company organized with the 8th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment for service to the Union Army. The eagle was named Old Abe after President Lincoln and became the regiment’s mascot. Old Abe survived many Civil War battles as he rallied the troops. His service to the Union resulted in widespread fame, and his life after the war reflected the esteem with which Wisconsin and the nation held him. As a well-loved veteran, he lived with a caretaker in the Wisconsin State Capitol Building when he wasn’t touring the nation in support of veteran causes. Today, a statue of him overlooks the State Assembly Chamber.
ABOUT THE CONTIRBUTED ITEMS
A feather from Old Abe is included in the capsule. When Old Abe passed away in 1881 his body was preserved in taxidermy and remained in the State Capitol Building. Unfortunately, in 1901 a fire destroyed the building and Old Abe’s remains. However, the eagle was such a celebrity that Wisconsin governors would present his feathers as gifts to dignitaries and citizens. These many feathers were returned to the state after the fire to represent Old Abe and are now in the care of the museum.
A card with a photograph of Old Abe from the 1876 centennial celebration is also included. Old Abe toured the nation for the centennial and was exhibited for six months at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The card is signed by Wisconsin Governor Harrison Ludington, himself a descendent of the American Revolution, with one ancestor who was one of George Washington’s aides-de-camp, Sybil Ludington.
A badge from the 101st Airborne Division is the third Old Abe related item included. Created in 1921 as the 101st Infantry Division in Milwaukee, the division used Old Abe on their insignia as a nod to the state’s proud military tradition. Since 1942 the 101st Airborne Division has influenced major events in world history.
 | These materials were submitted by the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, an educational activity of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, for inclusion in the America250 time capsule. Only the feather (a loose piece from collage V1979.12.18) originates from the museum’s collection. The 1876 photo card of Old Abe and contemporary 101st Airborne Division badge were purchased for this project. |
