Dear Friends,

After the Continental Congress declared independence on July 2, 1776, John Adams predicted the day would be “celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.” Nearly 250 years later, the National Constitution Center is honoring that anniversary by illuminating America’s founding documents for learners of all ages. On Independence Day and throughout 2026, we’ll explore the deep connections between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. 

We’re so excited about our plans for America’s 250th, including the Constitution Day launch of our new Interactive Declaration of Independence on September 17. We’ve convened America’s greatest historians to write about the big ideas of the Declaration and the Constitution including liberty, equality, government by consent, separation of powers, federalism, and the Bill of Rights. 

• Also in September, we’ll launch a new podcast series on the pursuit of happiness where Ken Burns and other great historians talk about the founders’ efforts to achieve civic virtue. 
• In October at our annual Liberty Medal ceremony, we'll honor historian and biographer Ron Chernow and the hit Broadway musical Hamilton for inspiring millions to learn about the constitutional ideals that unite us.
• My new book, The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America, will be available on October 21. We’ll host a series of conversations about the book and the American idea at libraries, community centers, and rural bookstores throughout 2025 and 2026. 
• In November, we'll film a PBS special at the Center with Ken Burns, Yuval Levin, and Melody Barnes that will explore the big ideas in the American Revolution as reflected in the Constitution.
• In 2026, we’ll open two new exhibits at the Center, focused on America’s founding and the separation of powers. The exhibits will include Ken Griffin’s rare copies of the Constitution and an early draft of what would become the Bill of Rights. 

All of us at the NCC are so excited about the light and learning that we’ll share together this fall and throughout 2026. In honor of Independence Day, we’d be so grateful if you would consider a gift to the NCC. Your invaluable support makes all of our meaningful work possible. 

Happy Independence Day!

Jeffrey Rosen

President and CEO

National Constitution Center

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