Constitution Day at the National Constitution Center

Constitution Day

Tuesday, September 17

The National Constitution Center’s annual Constitution Day celebration is the biggest Constitution Day celebration in the country—and a great way to kick off the academic year! In September 1787, the Founders signed the most influential document in American history, the U.S. Constitution. Commemorate this historic day online or at the museum!

Featured Constitution Day Programs

Civic Stories With Justice Neil M. Gorsuch

Tuesday, September 17 | 11:15 a.m. ET

The Honorable Neil M. Gorsuch, associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and NCC honorary co-chair, joins National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen for a discussion on his new book, interesting details from his career, the important role played by the judiciary, and what it’s like to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States.

Launch of the Constitution 101 Student Course in Partnership With Khan Academy

Tuesday, September 17 | 1 p.m. ET

Join National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen and Khan Academy founder Sal Khan for the launch of our Constitution 101 student course developed in partnership with the Khan Academy. This student-mastery course is designed to empower students with a deeper understanding of the Constitution and its impact on their lives. Moderated by Ohio high school educator Amy Elsass, this special Constitution Day event will feature questions from students from around the country and will explore the importance of civil dialogue and how to think like a constitutional scholar, as well as address timely constitutional questions related to student free speech, AI, and elections.

We invite students and educators to submit questions for Sal and Jeff. Please email questions to [email protected] with the subject: Constitution Day Event Question. Note student’s name, grade, teacher, school, and location.

Additional Live, Online Constitution Day Programming

Preamble Reading

Tuesday, September 17 | 9 a.m. ET

Join the staff of the National Constitution Center—plus some special guests—live from the museum’s front lawn, as we kick off the day with a reading of the Preamble to the Constitution.

Constitution Day Naturalization Ceremony

Tuesday, September 17 | 9:30 a.m. ET

Every September 17 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 as part of our Constitution Day celebrations, 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 and MSNBC host and NCC Trustee Ali Velshi will give the keynote address.

A Conversation With Opal Lee: Juneteenth and the Constitution

Tuesday, September 17 | Noon ET

Students are invited to join Opal Lee—known as the “grandmother of Juneteenth” for her efforts to get the holiday federally recognized—for a special Constitution Day celebration exploring themes of freedom, equality, and storytelling. Together we will examine the debates over slavery at the Constitutional Convention, the role of the amendment process in abolishing slavery, and the many ways we can share the stories of the past. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and explore the connections between storytelling and history. Miss Opal will join the conversation to share her role in the establishment of Juneteenth as a national holiday and answer student questions. We’ll conclude our time together with a special activity analyzing the portrait of Opal Lee that hangs in the National Portrait Gallery.

Presented in partnership with the Annenberg Public Policy Center, National Portrait Gallery, and National Constitution Center.

There’s still time to plan a trip to the National Constitution Center with free admission courtesy of PECO! Contact [email protected] to plan your Constitution Day visit.

Constitution Day Resources

Find essential Constitution Day resources, including the primary source materials in our Founders’ Library, classroom activities, and previous event videos on our Constitution Day Resources page. 

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.