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 are counting 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. 

Four Ways to Celebrate the First Amendment

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: Four Harriets of History

Wednesday, December 6 | Noon ET

On the anniversary of the 13th Amendment’s ratification, students will explore the lives of four American women—Harriet Robinson Scott, Harriet Tubman, Harriet Jacobs, and Harriet Beecher Stowe—who confronted slavery through literature, lawsuits, and direct action in their efforts to free themselves and others from bondage.

Civic Stories: Road to Freedom

Wednesday, December 6 | 2 p.m. ET

On the anniversary of the 13th Amendment’s ratification, students will uncover the history of slavery in the United States through a constitutional lens, taking learners on a journey from the time of the Constitutional Convention to the start of the Civil War.

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

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 School of Law, 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].

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