The Shadow
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As America prepares to celebrate 250 years of freedom and opportunity, Rep. Cline is inviting residents of the Shenandoah Valley, Roanoke Valley, and Alleghany Highlands to help tell the story of their communities for generations to come by submitting photographs for consideration in the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule.
“From the rolling farmland of the Shenandoah Valley and the scenic peaks surrounding the Roanoke Valley to the natural beauty and close-knit communities of the Alleghany Highlands, Virginia’s Sixth District is rich with history, tradition, and hometown pride,” said Rep. Cline. “The time capsule provides an opportunity to show what makes the Commonwealth of Virginia special in 2026, whether it’s a stunning mountain vista, a historic main street, a family farm, a local festival, a Friday night football game, a small business, or a moment of everyday life that reflects the character of the communities we call home.”
Selected photographs will help preserve a snapshot of life in Virginia’s Sixth District and may be included in Virginia’s official contribution to the congressional time capsule, allowing future generations to see what life looked like in the Commonwealth during America’s 250th year.
Photographs can be submitted digitally through the designated submission portal: HERE.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 12, 2026.
Established as part of the Nation’s semiquincentennial celebration, the Congressional Time Capsule will be sealed in the Capitol Visitor Center and remain unopened until July 4, 2276, when Americans marking the nation’s 500th anniversary will look back on the people, places, and experiences that defined our era.
This is an opportunity for families, community organizations, local businesses, farmers, students, and outdoor enthusiasts across the Shenandoah Valley, Roanoke Valley, and Alleghany Highlands to leave a lasting piece of their community’s story for future generations. Whether highlighting the region’s natural beauty, strong traditions, hardworking people, or unique way of life, submitted photographs can help ensure the Sixth District’s legacy is preserved for centuries to come.
Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.
