Deep Dive Into the History of the U.S. Constitution

Sunday, June 22–Friday, June 27, 2025

This weeklong summer intensive is presented by the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy, the National Constitution Center, and the Organization of American Historians.

Program Highlights:

  • Attend an opening night panel discussion with intensive faculty, including NCC President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen, OAH President David Blight, and Yale Law professor Akhil Amar.
  • Hear from constitutional scholars, legal experts, and historians as they discuss key components of constitutional history and ask questions about relevant topics today.
  • Examine the drafting of the Constitution, its development as the national charter down to the Civil War, its re-imagining during Reconstructionsecond founding, and the history of some of the most important case law over time, especially Supreme Court decisions.
  • Learn about the origins of, questions about, and modern interpretations of the U.S. Constitution through intensive sessions throughout the week.     
  • Explore the Center’s exhibit spaces and visit cultural institutions and historic sites around Old City Philadelphia, contemplating meaningful ways to bring those experiences back to the classroom.
APPLY TO ATTEND THE INTENSIVE

Applications are open now through Wednesday, March 26.

Participation Details:

  • This intensive is open to all social studies educators who currently work in sixth–12th grade classrooms who have an interest in learning more about the history of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Participants will be responsible for pre-reading assignments and readings throughout the course of the week.
  • The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute will provide funding to cover the entire cost of travel and lodging for educators selected to attend. Breakfasts and lunches will be provided throughout the week, as well as an opening night and closing night dinner.


Learn more about our partnership with the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy and the Organization of American Historians.

More Opportunities at the NCC this Summer

The National Constitution is hosting four Educator Institutes this summer in Philadelphia. Institutes are open to educators working with fifth through 12th grade students at public, charter, independent, parochial, and other schools. Applications are open now through Monday, February 17.


APPLY TO ATTEND AN INSTITUTE

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