During the 1950s, federal officials contemplated the aftermath of nuclear annihilation and the practical challenges of rebuilding American life. Beyond logistical concerns like counting casualties and establishing refugee camps, they grappled with the spiritual question of preserving America's cultural heritage. The potential destruction of the National Archives in Washington D.C. prompted a mission to safeguard the nation's most precious artifacts. This reflection on what items were deemed vital for preservation during the Cold War era leads to a contemporary question: what objects would we choose to save today? This episode, originally released in 2020, is being revisited as America approaches its 250th anniversary, offering a unique perspective on the essence of national identity. The content acknowledges contributions from various individuals who aided in its production and reporting. The podcast encourages listener engagement through newsletters, membership programs, and social media interaction. Financial support for Radiolab's science programming comes from the Simons Foundation and the John Templeton Foundation, with foundational support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The platform hosting the podcast is Simplecast, which provides information on personal data usage for advertising.