In September 2024, Khan Academy and the National Constitution Center will launch a free online course about the U.S. Constitution. This course will explore the Constitution's historical foundations, landmark Supreme Court cases, and contemporary constitutional issues pioneered by the Founders and diverse figures from across American history. Sign up for updates and learn more.

Celebrate the Bill of Rights

15 Days of the Bill of Rights

In December 1791, the states ratified the first 10 amendments to the Constitution—the Bill of Rights. Every year, the National Constitution Center hosts a celebration to honor the liberties enshrined in these amendments.

This month, we count down to Bill of Rights Day on December 15 with a series of programs, resources, and events highlighting the history and meaning of the Bill of Rights with a special focus on the First Amendment. 

Three Ways to Celebrate the First Amendment

Civic Stories: Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus

Friday, December 1 | Noon ET

On the anniversary of Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus in 1955, students are invited to learn more about this remarkable woman and how she used the First Amendment to fight for freedom and equality for all. 

Live from the Museum: The First Amendment

Tuesday, December 5 | Noon ET

Students can join a museum educator for a virtual tour of the National Constitution Center’s newest gallery, The First Amendment. The gallery offers a fresh perspective on the history of the First Amendment and how it affects us today.

Civic Stories: Nothing About Us Without Us

Friday, December 8 | Noon ET

Discover how the disabled community has used the First Amendment’s right to petition to fight for their inclusion. Learn about the formation of The Arc, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and more. 

Professional Learning for Educators

Are You Going to NCSS? Come by Booth #627!

December 1-3, Nashville, TN

Stop by Booth #627 to meet members of the Center’s education team, learn about #NCCed resources, and grab your free civic calendars and pocket Constitutions!

We’re hosting “The Constitution and Reconstruction: Storytelling and the 14th Amendment,” on Saturday, December 2, from 11:20-12:20 p.m., in Room 207B.

Not attending NCSS? No problem—we hope to see you at one of our upcoming professional learning sessions.

First Amendment: Speech and Press Featuring Burt Neuborne

Wednesday, December 20 | 6:30–8 p.m. ET

Participants will examine the historical context and the drafting of the First Amendment—focusing especially on the factors motivating America’s Founding generation. We will also examine various types of speech, including symbolic speech, hate speech, and political speech, and look at how those definitions have been applied throughout history. Burt Neuborne, Norman Dorsen Professor of Civil Liberties and founding legal director of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law School, joins us. 

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 [email protected].

Connect with us

Interactive Constitution | Professional Development | Events Calendar | Online Learning Opportunities

The National Constitution Center's education team is here to help with any of our online resources. Email [email protected] with questions or comments on how we can help you and your students with your remote learning needs.

Update your email preferences by clicking the Update Profile link below to subscribe to other National Constitution Center newsletters and manage how often you hear from us.