What Would You Put in a US Time Capsule?

What Would You Put in a US Time Capsule?

Author: Liam Heffernan September 23, 2025 Duration: 58:11

On this day in 1938, the World’s Fair came to Flushing Meadows Park in New York City. It is here that the Westinghouse Time Capsules were buried underground, to be opened in 5,000 years time. Its contents include a copy of Life magazine, a pack of Camel cigarettes, a dictionary, and a variety of seeds.

So this week, we are going to curate our own time capsule, to reflect the 21st century United States as accurately as possible, for anybody finding this podcast in 5,000 years.

What would you put in a US capsule?

Email us your suggestions at america@podcastsbyliam.com OR

Send us a voicenote here: https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Dr Emma Long
  • Professor Rebecca Fraser
  • Dr Nicholas Grant

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • We need to consider what a time capsule would look like today, especially with the political climate and significant events like January 6th, 2021.
  • The Handmaid's Tale serves as a chilling reminder of the risks associated with the rise of authoritarianism and the importance of women's voices in society.
  • Taylor Swift's career exemplifies the struggle for control and representation in a male-dominated music industry, making her an essential figure for our time capsule.
  • Our time capsule must reflect not only the current state of America but also the fears and hopes for the future, considering how history may view our actions today.
  • The inclusion of pop culture artifacts, such as The Office, helps illustrate the everyday American experience and provides insight into social dynamics during the 21st century.
  • We have to acknowledge that the rapid changes brought on by social media and political events will shape how future generations understand our society.

...

Additional Resources:

The Westinghouse Time Capsule - Heinz History Center

Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr

The history of the Twitter logo (and the X logo) | Creative Bloq

The Official Website of Taylor Swift

Amazon.com: The Office: The Complete Series [DVD]

Michelle Obama: 'When they go low, we go high'


Hosted by Liam Heffernan, America: The Story of the USA is a deep and ongoing conversation about the forces that have shaped the nation. This isn't just a history lesson; it's an exploration of how the past directly informs today's headlines and cultural shifts. Each episode brings together a remarkable range of voices, from Nobel laureates and acclaimed historians to veteran journalists, to dissect pivotal moments and current events with nuance and depth. You'll hear discussions that connect the dots between a centuries-old political decision and a modern social movement, or examine a breaking news story through the lens of long-standing cultural patterns. The aim is to provide a richer, more connected understanding of the American experience in all its complexity. By weaving together threads from history, politics, society, and culture, this podcast offers a comprehensive and thoughtful narrative. For those who want to look beyond the soundbites and understand the deeper currents running through the United States, this series serves as an essential and engaging resource. Tune in for a consistently insightful analysis that treats the American story as the living, evolving saga that it truly is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

America: The Story of the USA
Podcast Episodes
IN THE MAKING: Will the Epstein Scandal Actually Change Anything? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:36
This week, we're talking about Jeffrey Epstein files, why both sides of the political aisle are uniting and, as the house is set to approve a bill forcing the release of the files in full, could this finally be the begin…
What is the Voting Rights Act? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:59
This week I am discussing one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in US history. Signed during the fervor of the Civil Rights Movement, it stands as a monument to the unfinished struggle for democracy.So I wa…
BONUS: Chief Seattle, Cultural Appropriation, and Native Legacies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:41
In this bonus episode, we shed light on the historical significance of Chief Seattle while confronting the challenges of finding credible sources about Native American history. We explore how his voice has been filtered…
Who is Chief Seattle? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:11
This week, we are talking about Seattle. Not the place, specifically, but the formidable indigenous leader of the early 19th century. A warrior, a diplomat, a peacemaker, and an eloquent orator, his defence of Native Ame…
What is Disney's America... and Why Didn't It Happen? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:17
Last week, I asked if Disneyland was the happiest place on Earth.Well, this week, we’re looking at the Disney theme park that never was. The concept for a historical theme park was initially earmarked for Virginia, but l…
BONUS: The Wild World of Disney Adults [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:52
In this bonus episode, we continue our foray into Disney theme parks, discussing the culture of Disney Adults and our favourite parks and rides.What are yours?Email america@podcastsbyliam.com with your opinions, or leave…
Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:25
When Disneyland opened its gates in Anaheim in 1955, it immediately captivated generations of visitors. With seventy years under its belt, its evolution into a sprawling empire of twelve theme parks and six resorts has r…
BONUS: Cultural Appropriation or Recognition? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:56
In this bonus episode, Native American historian Camilla Townsend explores the grey area between appropriation and recognition, and how it's better to be symbolised imperfectly versus being completely forgotten.This foll…
Who is Pocahontas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:46
The narrative of Pocahontas is often overshadowed by the simplistic and romanticized version depicted in films. In this episode, we untangle the truth from the many myths surrounding her life, led by historian Camilla To…
BONUS: Why Did the Amish Leave Europe? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:26
This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity.So in this…