Black History Month at the NCC

This February, honor Black History Month by exploring the central role Black Americans have played in shaping constitutional history—from the Revolution to Reconstruction and beyond. Students can extend their learning with the following virtual programs. Teachers select dates and times that best fit their classroom schedules.

Scholar Exchange: Civil Rights and Liberties

In this Scholar Exchange program, students examine the civil rights and liberties in the U.S. Constitution through a guided conversation facilitated by a judge, constitutional scholar, or practicing attorney. Together, students and scholars explore the concept of natural rights, analyze key constitutional amendments, and review landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped the meaning and scope of civil rights and liberties over time—particularly through the experiences of African Americans whose struggles and advocacy expanded liberties for all.

Civic Stories: Courage in the Classroom

Bring Black history into your classroom through artifacts and the stories they tell. In this Civic Stories program, students examine an artifact connected to the integration of public schools and the remarkable story of a young girl who showed extraordinary bravery in the face of injustice. During the experience, students uncover how individuals and communities shaped history and begin to see where they fit into the American story.

New From the Constitution Daily Blog

A brief history of the annexation of foreign territories by the United States

by Scott Bomboy | Read time: 5 minutes

“President Donald Trump’s recent talk of potentially acquiring Greenland has sparked a new debate about questions that pre-date the Constitution: the ability of the United States to annex territories. ... ” Read more

Unpacking the transgender athletes’ case at the Supreme Court

by Scott Bomboy | Read time: 5 minutes

“President Donald Trump’s recent talk of potentially acquiring Greenland has sparked a new debate about questions that pre-date the Constitution: the ability of the United States to annex territories. ... ” Read more

Professional Learning Opportunities

Monthly Virtual Session: Natural Rights

Wednesday, February 18 | 6:30–8 p.m. ET

Participants will consider the influence Enlightenment thinkers had on the founders and how these principles manifest in several founding documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Join us as Adam Seagrave, from Arizona State University, takes a closer look into the text of these documents and examines the philosophical context in which these texts were written. Kevin Cline, a member of the Center's Teacher Advisory Council, will demonstrate how the Center’s resources on natural rights can be implemented for classroom use. Register now

Upcoming Events at the NCC

🗓️ Town Hall: The Declaration of Independence and the Push for Racial Equality

Monday, February 2 | 1–2 p.m. ET

In celebration of Black History Month, scholars Lucas Morel and Melvin Rogers join to discuss how African American leaders and citizens, such as Prince Hall, Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. have invoked the ideas and principles of the Declaration of Independence throughout American history to push for a more free and equal America. Thomas Donnelly, chief scholar of the National Constitution Center, moderates.

🗓️ Town Hall: Thomas Paine and the 250th Anniversary of Common Sense

Monday, February 9 | 12–1 p.m. ET

Gary Berton, the president of The Thomas Paine Historical Association, joins award-winning historian Jack Kelly, author of Tom Paine’s War: The Words That Rallied a Nation and the Founder of Our Time, to discuss the revolutionary life, ideas, and legacy of Thomas Paine in celebration of the 250th anniversary of his famous pamphlet, Common Sense. Julie Silverbrook, vice president of civic education of the National Constitution Center, moderates.

🗓️ Live From the Museum: First Look at the America’s Founding Gallery

Tuesday, February 17 | Noon ET

Join a museum educator for a first look at the National Constitution Center’s newest exhibit! The America’s Founding gallery tells the story of the nation’s founding principles, exploring how we declared independence, fought a revolution, learned from early challenges, and ultimately developed a new form of government.

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About the National Constitution Center’s Educational Resources 

The National Constitution Center provides K-12 curriculum, professional learning, and student programs that make constitutional education engaging and relevant. Learn more at: constitutioncenter.org/education.

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