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Countdown to Constitution Day
Monday, September 18 | 9:30 a.m. –5 p.m.
In September 1787, the Founders signed the most influential document in American history, the U.S. Constitution. And every year, the National Constitution Center marks this event with the best Constitution Day celebration in the country. Commemorate this historic day, while also meeting your federal education requirements, online or at the museum!
This Constitution Day, the Center presents a series of programs and events highlighting the history and meaning of the First Amendment to celebrate the opening of our newest gallery, The First Amendment.
The Center’s annual Constitution Day celebration takes place on Monday, September 18, with free admission courtesy of PECO. Admission to the museum is also free on Sunday, September 17, in honor of the 236th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. Reserve your tickets or find out how to bring your group to the museum here.
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Constitution Day Programs | |
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Preamble Reading
Monday, September 18 | 8:30 a.m. ET
Online Program
Join the staff of the National Constitution Center, live from iconic spots inside the museum, as we read the Preamble to the Constitution and explore the core principles at the heart of our democracy.
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Naturalization Ceremony
Monday, September 18 | 9:30 a.m. ET
F.M. Kirby Auditorium and Livestreamed
Every September we celebrate Constitution Day as well as Citizenship Day by honoring the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. In recognition, we host an annual Naturalization Ceremony during which 50 immigrants from across the globe officially become citizens of the United States. The Honorable John R. Padova, senior judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, will preside. Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen will offer remarks.
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Judges on Judging
Monday, September 18 | 11 a.m. ET
F.M. Kirby Auditorium and Livestreamed
Judges Marjorie Rendell, Cheryl Ann Krause, and Stephanos Bibas, judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, discuss how judges approach cases by reviewing the seven different methodologies of constitutional interpretation, using historic cases involving the First Amendment as examples. The judges will also explain how the federal courts of appeal work and their role in the federal court system. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.
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Meet Historic Figures
Monday, September 18 | 11:30 a.m. ET
First Amendment Stage and Livestreamed
One of our best tools to facilitate change is through the First Amendment, and while the Constitution may have been written in 1787 by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention, its composition has been impacted by many people and events over the past 236 years. During this special program, meet famous figures who used the First Amendment to ensure “We, the People” includes all the people.
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Rock Out With Simon Tam
Monday, September 18 | Noon ET
F.M. Kirby Auditorium and Livestreamed
Students join a discussion with musician Simon Tam, who, along with his bandmate, was originally denied a trademark for his band’s name. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office determined that the band’s name, The Slants, contained a racial slur. The band appealed the decision to the Supreme Court and won. Tam’s story is highlighted in the Center’s new exhibit, The First Amendment.
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Protest With Mary Beth Tinker
Monday, September 18 | 1 p.m. ET
Online Program
Students join a discussion with free-speech advocate Mary Beth Tinker, who, as a 13-year-old in 1969, wore a black armband to school to protest the Vietnam War. A few other students, including her brother, joined her and the students were suspended for their actions; however, they believed their protest was a form of free speech. They took their case to the Supreme Court—and won. Tinker’s story is highlighted in the Center’s new gallery, The First Amendment.
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Scholar Exchange: The Constitutional Convention
Monday, September 18 | 2 p.m. ET
Online Program
A group of notable Center scholars including William Allen, Colleen Sheehan, and Jonathan Gienapp join National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen for a discussion of the issues and events in early America that led to the Constitutional Convention. They’ll explore the major debates at the Convention and how those discussions shaped the future of the United States. Panelists will also discuss their careers as writers and historians, as well as answer questions from participants.
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First Amendment Reading
Monday, September 18 | 3:30 p.m. ET
Online Program
We’ll wrap up the day with a reading of the First Amendment to the Constitution, live from our new gallery, The First Amendment.
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Thank you for being part of our community of educators. If you have any questions we’d love to hear from you. Please email the education team at education@constitutioncenter.org. | | | | |
