Governor Morrisey Announces Letters to Our Founders Essay Contest
Winning essay to be included in America’s Time Capsule celebrating nation’s 250th birthday
Charleston, WV – Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced the 2026 “Letters to Our Founders” essay contest in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking the United States’ Semiquincentennial. West Virginia students in grades eight through 12 are invited to write letters to America’s founders, reflecting on what the past 250 years have held, and imagining what the next 250 years may bring. The winning essay will be printed on archival paper and included in the West Virginia section of the official America’s Time Capsule, which will be buried at Independence National Park in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026 and remain sealed until 2276.
“I’m honored to join President Trump in celebrating such an important milestone in our country’s history,” said Governor Patrick Morrisey. “I urge students across the great state of West Virginia to take this opportunity to reflect on the vision of our Founding Fathers and consider what they can personally do to help shape the future of both our state and our nation. The winning essay will also be preserved in ‘America’s Time Capsule’ so future generations can see how our students envisioned the next chapter of our country’s story.”
Essays must be submitted online by April 15, 2026. Prizes will be awarded to the top entry from each grade level, and winners will be featured in official state promotions leading up to July 4, 2026. Additionally, the top five essays will be featured on the Goldenseal website, one of the state’s most treasured publications. Participants are encouraged to connect their essays, specifically the sections that address the vision for the future, directly to West Virginia.
“This essay contest is such an impactful way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the creation of our nation,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “I look forward to seeing how our students use their creativity and fresh perspectives to envision the future of West Virginia.”
For a complete list of rules and submission details, click here.
About America’s Time Capsule
Established in America250’s founding public law, America’s Time Capsule reflects a national responsibility to preserve a representative record of the United States at 250 years. Developed in collaboration with scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), preservation experts at the Library of Congress, and in coordination with the National Park Service, the vessel has been engineered to withstand 250 years underground. West Virginia will be submitting the winning essay on archival paper, along with a piece of coal in honor of the state’s rich coal heritage, to the time capsule, which will be buried at Independence National Park in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026 and remain sealed until 2276.
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This post was last updated on March 19, 2026
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