Hockey, Wild Rice and Prince are Picks From Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation for a Time Capsule Sealed Until 2276

(KNSI) – This time capsule won’t hold portraits of statesmen wearing powdered wigs, but snapshots of what makes Minnesota home.

As part of the country’s 250th celebration, the state’s congressional delegation has handpicked photographs from all eight of Minnesota’s congressional districts, each paired with a letter explaining the importance of the images to the region, state and nation.

The capsule was dedicated at Emancipation Hall on Wednesday afternoon and sealed in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. It will be opened in another 250 years on America’s 500th anniversary, July 4th, 2276.

Sixth District Congressman Tom Emmer, who represents the St. Cloud area along with most of Benton, Sherburne and Wright Counties, chose to immortalize hockey, the sport at the heart of the self-proclaimed State of Hockey, with a picture of himself and his son at the Delano Area Sports Arena. Emmer stated, “For my family and countless others, the memories made at that rink will last for generations. It is my hope that 250 years from now, Minnesotans will still be building community and connection over a shared love of hockey.”

Seventh District Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach chose a photo of herself behind the wheel of a tractor to highlight the region’s significance to the farming industry. “As we look back on the first 250 years of American history, I am proud to represent the families of Minnesota’s Seventh District. From hardworking crop and livestock producers to biofuel and advanced manufacturers, Western Minnesota is a leader in securing America’s food supply and energy future,” said Fischbach. Her district covers much of western Minnesota, including the western two-thirds of Stearns County.

Senator Amy Klobuchar used an image of the Minnesota State Fair, and Senator Tina Smith picked a group of Native Americans harvesting wild rice. Other items being preserved for the next two and a half centuries include an image of Prince’s “Purple Rain” album cover, an iron ore ship at the port in Duluth, the Mississippi River through St. Paul, and the state’s wildlife, such as bald eagles and loons.

See all the letters and photos by clicking here.

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