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Countdown to Constitution Day
Monday, September 18
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 new exhibit, The First Amendment.
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Five Ways to Celebrate the First Amendment | |
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Meet Historic Figures
Monday, September 18 | 11:30 a.m. ET
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
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
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 exhibit, The First Amendment.
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First Amendment Reading
Monday, September 18 | 3:30 p.m. ET
We’ll wrap up the day with a reading of the First Amendment to the Constitution, live from our new exhibit, The First Amendment.
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The History of Religious Liberty in America
Monday, September 18 I 6:30 p.m. ET
How did the America’s founders view religious liberty? And what does it mean today? Join constitutional law experts Marci Hamilton, author of God vs. the Gavel: Religion and the Rule of Law, and Michael McConnell, co-author of Agreeing to Disagree: How the Establishment Clause Protects Religious Diversity and Freedom of Conscience, for a special Constitution Day discussion to celebrate the opening of the Center's new First Amendment exhibit. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.
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More Ways To Celebrate We the People | |
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Preamble Reading
Monday, September 18 | 8:30 a.m. ET
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
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
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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Scholar Exchange: The Constitutional Convention
Monday, September 18 | 2 p.m. ET
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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Explore the Center's Education Framework: Teaching Through Stories and Dialogue
Wednesday, September 20 I 6:30 p.m. ET
In this session, participants will examine the National Constitution Center’s framework for learning, which integrates three main components: Historical Foundations Through Storytelling; Constitutional Interpretation Skills; and Civil Dialogue and Reflection.
This approach teaches learners of all ages to separate their political views from their constitutional views—asking not what the government should do, but what it constitutionally may do. Participants will explore all aspects of the framework by exploring the Center’s new exhibit, The First Amendment.
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Join Our Teacher Advisory Council
The National Constitution Center is looking for members of the classroom education field to join our Teacher Advisory Council. The council is open to educators who teach fifth grade to college level students from all types of school environments and locations.
Members of the council will have a voice in shaping our free online classes, and will receive a yearly stipend for their valuable time and professional advice. They can also join in our professional development opportunities and will have access to special virtual programming for them and their students.
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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. | | | | |
