On Presidents Day, Jeffrey Rosen launched his new book, The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America, at the National Constitution Center in conversation with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic. Watch now

Check out some highlights from Rosen’s book tour:

• WAMU's 1A | Listen now
• The Dishcast with Andrew Sullivan | Listen now
• Op-ed in The Washington Post on the founders’ antidote to demagogues | Read now
• WHYY: Constitution Center CEO’s book pursues American happiness | Read now
• Conversation with George Hammond at the Commonwealth Club | Watch now
• The Templeton Ideas Podcast | Listen now

Follow along and join for an upcoming book event. Learn more

Our 2023 Annual Report is now available. Look back with us on highlights from a memorable milestone year, and preview what’s ahead for the Center as we prepare for America’s 250th birthday. Read the report

Debate at America’s Town Hall

Democracy Checkup: Preparing for the 2024 Election 

Thursday, March 21 | 7 p.m. ET 

Richard Hasen, author of A Real Right to Vote, Sarah Isgur, senior editor of The Dispatch, and Lawrence Lessig, author of How to Steal a Presidential Election, provide a health check on the state of American democracy, and look ahead to potential areas of vulnerability in the run-up to the 2024 election. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. Learn more

Lincoln’s Lessons: Then and Now 

Wednesday, March 27 | 7 p.m. ET  

Acclaimed Lincoln historians Sidney Blumenthal, author of the three-volume The Political Life of Abraham Lincoln, and Harold Holzer, author of the new book Brought Forth on This Continent: Abraham Lincoln and American Immigration, assess Lincoln’s life and legacy to unveil remarkable similarities between the 19th century and today. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. Learn more

IN PERSON AND ONLINE

Reading the Constitution Book Launch With Justice Stephen Breyer 

Thursday, March 28 | 6:30 p.m. ET 

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer (Ret.) unveils his new book at the National Constitution Center in conversation with NCC President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen. In Reading the Constitution: Why I Chose Pragmatism, Not Textualism, Justice Breyer deconstructs the textualist philosophy of the current Supreme Court’s majority and makes the case for a better way to interpret the Constitution. Learn more

A book sale and signing with Justice Breyer will follow the discussion beginning at 7:30 p.m.

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].

Women’s History Month

Throughout Women’s History Month, the Center recognizes extraordinary American women throughout history, including those featured in our exhibit, The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote. We’ll also look at the accomplishments of American women who fought for freedom, equality, and equal rights for all Americans. Learn more

Activities at the museum include:



• Artifact spotlights
• Remember the Ladies trivia
• Suffragist story corner
• Votes for Women crafts
• and more!

Sensory-Friendly Day

Sunday, March 24 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 

Visitors with sensory-processing challenges can experience the National Constitution Center in a secure and comfortable environment that includes modified programming and emotionally safe spaces with sensory objects, comfortable seating, and cool blue lighting. Learn more

At 1 p.m., visitors are invited explore sound in an entirely new way during the Universe of Sounds sensory program, presented by Music Play Patrol. Using a variety of unique and electronic instruments, this sensory-based program introduces participants to making sounds using their fingers, voice, feet, and bodies. 

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 Women’s History Month

Civic Story: Remember the Ladies Trivia

Friday, March 15 | Noon ET (Live ASL Interpretation Available)

In the spirit of Abigail Adams, students are invited to “remember the ladies” during our virtual women’s history trivia game. Test your knowledge of women and the Constitution during our interactive trivia game. Register now

Live from the Museum: Women of the Civil War and Reconstruction

Tuesday, March 19 | 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. Along the way, you’ll hear the stories of women central to the conflict over slavery and give you an up-close look at special artifacts on display. Register now

Civic Stories: Four Harriets of History

Friday, March 29 | Noon ET (Live ASL Interpretation Available)

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. Register now

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

WATCH

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

Run time: 1 hour, 4 minutes

On Presidents Day, Jeffrey Rosen launched his new book, The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America, at the NCC in conversation with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic. Watch now

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

Run time: 1 hour

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 and James Oakes. Watch now

LISTEN

Can Texas and Florida Ban Viewpoint Discrimination on Social Media Platforms?

Run time: 1 hour

Alex Abdo and Larry Lessig discuss the oral arguments in NetChoice v. Paxton and Moody v. NetChoice, which involved challenges to attempts by Texas and Florida to prevent social media sites from banning viewpoint discrimination. Listen now

The Founders, the Pursuit of Happiness, and the Virtuous Life

Run time: 58 minutes

Jeffrey Rosen talks about his new book, The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America, followed by a panel discussion on the influence of classical writers and thinkers on the founding generation with panelists Eric Slauter, George Will, and Melody Barnes. Listen now

READ

Is a Bump Stock a “Machinegun?” The U.S. Supreme Court Takes up the Question

by Marcia Coyle | Read time: 7 minutes

“After the 2017 mass shooting on the Las Vegas strip—the worst in American history—many Americans learned the phrase “bump stock” for the first time. This week, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a challenge to a federal rule defining bump stocks as machine guns prohibited by federal law. ...” Read more

The Supreme Court Considers State Laws Regulating Social Media Giants

by Scott Bomboy | Read time: 6 minutes

“One of the Supreme Court’s biggest cases this term involves the content moderation rights of websites—including YouTube Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter)—and two states that want them regulated as “common carriers,” a decision that could have a major impact on their business models. ...” Read more

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