Countdown to Constitution Day

Constitution Day Events

Monday, September 18 I 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m



In September 1787, the Founders signed the most influential document in American history, the U.S. Constitution. 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!

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 exhibit, 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.

Programs at the Museum

Naturalization Ceremony

Monday, September 18 I 9:30 a.m. ET

F.M. Kirby Auditorium and Livestreamed

Every September we celebrate Constitution Day as well as Citizenship Day, a holiday meant to honor and celebrate the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship for both native-born and naturalized citizens. In recognition of this special observance, the National Constitution Center hosts an annual Naturalization Ceremony during which 50 immigrants from across the globe will take the Oath of Allegiance to 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 over the ceremony. National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen will offer remarks.

Judges on Judging

Monday, September 18 I 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 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. 

Kids Town Hall: First Amendment Edition

Monday, September 18 | 11:30 a.m. ET

First Amendment Tablet 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 last 236 years. During this special program, meet famous figures who used the First Amendment to ensure “We, the People” includes all the people.

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. 

The Constitution's Birthday Party

Monday, September 18 | 12:45 p.m.

First Amendment Tablet Stage

Join us for tasty treats as we wish the Constitution a happy 236th birthday!

More Ways to Celebrate

Sign the Giant Constitution

Monday, September 18

Guests can check out our giant version of the U.S. Constitution and sign their names alongside Washington, Franklin, and Madison.

First Amendment Scavenger Hunt

Monday, September 18

Pick up a First Amendment Scavenger Hunt and explore the Center’s exhibits to find your freedoms.

Book Your Group Today

Contact Group Sales at 215.409.6800 or email [email protected] to book your group today.

We look forward to hosting your group on Constitution Day!

Sincerely,

Gina Romanelli and Rachel Peters

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