Join the National Constitution Center for a series of FREE America’s Town Hall programs about constitutional issues in the news—accessible from your computer, laptop, or any mobile device by registering below.

APR 13 I 12 p.m. ET

In 1789, both the U.S. Bill of Rights and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen guaranteed American and French citizens the freedom of religion. How has the concept of religious liberty been applied, protected, and interpreted in both countries over the past two centuries? French political scientist Denis Lacorne and law professor Mathilde Philip-Gay join American political scientist Jonathan Laurence and law professor Michael McConnell for a discussion exploring the similarities and differences. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 

This program is presented in partnership with The Cultural Services of the French Embassy as part of a series on freedom of religion and speech in France and the United States.

APR 29 I 12:30 p.m. ET

Join Sherrilyn Ifill, president and counselor-director of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund; professor Wilfred Codrington III of Brooklyn Law School; political scientist William Allen; and professor Kurt Lash of the University of Richmond School of Law and author of a new two-volume series, The Reconstruction Amendments, for a discussion on the history of Reconstruction and its legacy, the civil rights movement and constitutional change, and whether or not America needs a third era of Reconstruction.  

This program is presented with support from Citizens.

May 12 I 12 p.m. ET

Law professors Bernadette Meyler of Stanford University and Alison LaCroix of the University of Chicago Law School and co-editor of the new book, Cannons and Codes: Law, Literature, and America's Wars, join political scientist professor Catherine Zuckert of the University of Notre Dame, for a discussion exploring the ways American literature—including the works of Walt Whitman, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and others—has intersected with the Constitution and American democracy from the nation’s founding, to the Civil War, and beyond. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.

June 10 I 7 p.m. ET

Chief Justice John Marshall and Justice John Marshall Harlan are two of the most influential Supreme Court justices in American history. Join Robert Strauss, author of the new book John Marshall: The Final Founder; Peter Canellos, author of the new book The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America's Judicial Hero; and others for a wide-ranging discussion on what made Marshall, Harlan, and other justices influential, and what their legacy is today. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center and author of William Howard Taft and Louis D. Brandeis: American Prophet, moderates.

JUN 15 I 12 p.m. ET

Should the government or private companies identify and regulate truth and lies? Join Martha Minow, professor at Harvard Law School and author of the new book, Saving the News: Why the Constitution Calls for Government Action to Preserve Freedom of Speech, Paul Matzko of the Cato Institute and Libertarianism.org, and Jonathan Rauch, author of the new book, The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth, who will discuss the history of American protection for free speech values and how they are challenged by the social media landscape today. They will also discuss current debates about the regulation of online speech, from content regulation to algorithmic disinformation, and what reforms, if any, might promote the free trade in ideas and expression in the future. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.

Can't make it to a live America's Town Hall program?

APR 9 I 1 p.m. ET

In this Fun Friday session, Jill Lepore, David Woods Kemper ’41 Professor of American History at Harvard University and writer for The New Yorker, joins National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen for a discussion on the issues and events in early America that led to the Constitutional Convention. We will also explore the major debates at the Convention, and how those discussions shaped the future of the United States. Lepore will also discuss her career as a writer and historian, as well as answer questions from participants.

Thank you for being a part of the National Constitution Center's community of lifelong learners and for your support of our mission to increase awareness and understanding of the U.S. Constitution among the American people. Your contribution makes our crucially important work possible. Please consider becoming a Member or making a gift to support our new and expanded online learning opportunities and to help us provide constitutional education for all.