The 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 15th Amendment is this Monday, February 3. Our exhibit Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality features this certified copy of the 15th Amendment, signed by Secretary of State William Seward and sent to each state for their approval in 1869 (private collector, courtesy of Seth Kaller, Inc.)

"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."

Read Interpretations on the Interactive Constitution >

Read > the roundup of this week's articles on The Battle for the Constitution — a partnership with The Atlantic that explores constitutional debates in American life.

The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling our congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” 

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