HELENA — The Montana Historical Society has submitted Montana's contribution to the America 250 Semiquincentennial Time Capsule: a piece of beaded artwork by Apsáalooke/Arikara/Hidatsa artist Karis Jackson of Browning.
The piece will be sealed in a stainless steel time capsule and buried at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, alongside objects from all 50 states, five territories, and Washington D.C. The capsule is scheduled to be opened 250 years from that date, on July 4, 2275.
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Jackson's work depicts the state of Montana in beadwork, incorporating the colors of the state flag, the mountains and prairies that define Montana's landscapes, the state flower — the bitterroot — and the state bird, the western meadowlark. At the center of the design is the bison, an animal of enduring significance to the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home since time immemorial. The piece was created specifically for this purpose and is the only object representing Montana in the capsule.
"Karis Jackson's beadwork carries Montana’s story forward in a way that is both beautiful and enduring,” said Molly Kruckenberg, director of the Montana Historical Society. “We are honored to send her work as Montana's contribution to this national milestone."
Jackson is an award-winning beadwork artist whose work is held in collections across the United States.
Jackson is known for vibrant, intricate designs that blend Crow geometric patterns with floral elements, created in cut beads, elk hide, and other traditional materials.
"I take pride in where I come from and what I do, as I was taught since I was very young,” said Jackson. “Each piece is my own vision — an intersection of creativity and expression, but also a way of honoring the past."
Click here to check out Jackson's work on Instagram.
The Semiquincentennial Time Capsule is a project of America 250, the federal commission overseeing the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. The stainless steel cylinder, designed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is engineered to preserve its contents for two and a half centuries.
Contributions were collected from all three branches of the federal government, every state and territory, and America 250's own programs and events.
The capsule will be interred at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia as part of the July 4, 2026, celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
