Debate at America’s Town Hall

Following Tubman’s Trail: Unveiling Stories of the African American Quest for Freedom 

Thursday, February 15 | Noon ET 

In celebration of Black History Month, explore the history of the African American fight for freedom during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods with historians Edda Fields-Black, author of Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War, and James Oakes, author of Freedom National: The Destruction of Slavery in the United States, 1861-1865. Thomas Donnelly, chief content officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. 

IN PERSON AND ONLINE

The Pursuit of Happiness: A Book Launch and Conversation with Jeffrey Rosen and Jeffrey Goldberg 

Monday, February 19 | 6:30 p.m. ET 

This Presidents Day, join National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen as he launches his new book at the NCC in conversation with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic. In The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America, Rosen offers a fascinating examination of what “the pursuit of happiness” meant to our nation’s founders and how that famous phrase defined their lives and became the foundation of our democracy.  

A book sale and author signing will follow the discussion. 

This program is in partnership with The Atlantic.

Members of the 1787 Society are invited to join a pre-event reception. If you are interested in learning more about joining the 1787 Society or becoming a Member, visit our website or email [email protected].

Black History Month

Throughout Black History Month, the Center recognizes extraordinary African Americans throughout the nation’s history. Celebrate Black History Month by viewing our exhibits featuring some of the many African Americans who transformed constitutional history—including Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, Robert Smalls, and Sojourner Truth—to better understand the long fight for freedom and equality. Learn more

Presidents Day Weekend

Saturday, February 17–Monday, February 19

10 a.m.–5 p.m.

The National Constitution Center celebrates Presidents Day with a variety of in-person and virtual events and resources exploring Article II of the Constitution, the role of the executive branch, and the individuals who have held the office of the president throughout American history. Learn more

The National Constitution Center is open for extended hours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., on Presidents Day, Monday, February 19. Admission is free thanks to the generous support of Citizen Travelers, the nonpartisan civic engagement initiative of Travelers.

On-site activities include:

• Presidential Parties and Platforms show
• Presidential trivia
• Voter tech artifact cart
• Campaign poster stations
• and more!

Sensory-Friendly Day

Sunday, February 25 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 

The National Constitution Center offers Sensory-Friendly Days to create an accessible learning experience for people of all abilities and their families while providing visitors with sensory processing challenges the opportunity to experience the museum in a secure and comfortable environment. Sensory-Friendly Days incorporate modified programming, specialized staff training, and emotionally safe spaces for families—including a room with a variety of sensory objects for visitors to use, comfortable seating, and cool blue lighting that creates a calming atmosphere. Learn more

Winter Warm Up: Now through Sunday, March 24, enjoy discounted admission of $15 for adults (usually $19) and $12 for youth ages 6-18 (usually $15). Learn more

Virtual Museum Programs Celebrating Civil Rights and Presidents Day

Live from the Museum: Japanese American National Museum

Wednesday, February 14 | Noon ET

Join the National Constitution Center in partnership with the Japanese American National Museum to learn about how Japanese Americans were forced from their homes and placed in concentration camps during WWII. Register now

Civic Stories: The Road to the White House

Friday, February 16 | Noon ET (Live ASL Interpretation Available)

Get your stump speeches ready! Join our presidential parties and platforms program to learn about the road to the White House. Discover the ins and outs of the executive branch, design your campaign plan, and carry out the duties of the presidency. Register now

Civic Stories: Step Inside the White House!

Friday, February 16 | 1 p.m. ET

Ever wondered why the White House is white? Or why the Oval Office is oval? Perhaps you may have even heard of a pet raccoon at the White House? Or a pony prancing past the president’s bedroom? Join educators from the White House Historical Association for a look inside the halls and history of the White House. Learn more

Live from the Museum: African Americans in the Fight for Abolition

Tuesday, February 20 | Noon ET

Explore the Center’s compelling exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality, as one of our museum educators leads viewers through the exhibit. Learn how constitutional clashes over slavery set the stage for the Civil War, and how the nation transformed the Constitution after the war during the Reconstruction period. Register now

Civic Stories: The Little Rock Nine

Friday, February 23 | Noon ET (Live ASL Interpretation Available)

Students are invited to join us for a celebration of student voices in the Civil Rights Movement. Together we’ll discover the stories of the Little Rock Nine, a group of students who insisted on equality for all, and how their actions shaped our constitutional history. Register now

Visit our website for a full list of virtual museum programming.

WATCH

David Hume and the Ideas That Shaped America

Run time: 1 hour

Angela Coventry, Dennis Rasmussen, and Aaron Alexander Zubia discuss David Hume’s philosophical legacy and its profound impact on the shaping of America. Watch now

Unpacking the Supreme Court’s Tech Term

Run time: 58 minutes

Legal experts Alex Abdo, Clay Calvert, and David Greene explore recent key tech cases before the Supreme Court, several of which have raised important questions at the intersection of technology and law. Watch now

LISTEN

Will the Supreme Court Overturn Chevron?

Run time: 58 minutes

Christopher Walker and Timothy Sandefur recap the oral arguments in the two cases challenging the landmark Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council case and explore the future of the administrative state. Listen now

Should President Trump Be Allowed on the 2024 Ballot?

Run time: 1 hour

Professors Josh Blackman and Gerard Magliocca dive into the meaning and purpose of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and the arguments for and against Trump’s eligibility to run for a second term this fall. Listen now

READ

The Last Insurrection Case Considered by Congress

by Scott Bomboy | Read time: 7 minutes

“An obscure incident involving the 14th Amendment’s Disqualification Clause is getting some new attention in the lead-up to Supreme Court arguments about former President Donald Trump. ...” Read more

January 22, 1973: The Roe v. Wade Decision

by NCC Staff | Read time: 5 minutes

“On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court handed down a decision that continues to divide the nation to this day. In Roe v. Wade, the Court ruled that a state law that banned abortions except to save the life of the mother was unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment. ...” Read more

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