Earth Day Celebration

Celebrate Earth Day at the National Constitution Center! Helping to preserve, protect, and defend the environment is a key part of being an active citizen. On April 22, the National Constitution Center will honor Earth Day by hosting green-friendly organizations from right here in Philadelphia. Visitors will learn about eating locally grown foods, testing homes for lead-based paint and other toxins, preserving our park system… and what being “green” has to do with our Constitution!

Earth Day Programs

“It Is Easy Being Green” Quiz Game
10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Main Lobby
Step up and spin our Earth Day wheel and see how much eco-friendly knowledge you possess! Categories include Earth Day History, Reusing and Recycling, and Alternative Energies.

Carbon Footprints of the Founders Show
11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Main Exhibit, Domestic Tranquility
How “green” was our nation at the time the Constitution was written? Calculate the carbon footprints of the Founding Fathers in this fun activity.

Community Partner Stations
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Main Lobby
Representatives from a number of Philadelphia environmental organizations will be on hand to answer visitor questions and demonstrate how citizens of all ages can care for the environment every day. Learn about community gardens, water treatment, home toxins, and more.

Constitution Hall Pass: “Everything’s Gone Green: The Story of Earth Day” Video
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Video Screens, Main Lobby
In this exciting webcast, find out about the history of the environmental movement in the United States and the origins of the holiday we know as Earth Day. Explore why protecting our environment is so important, and discover the ways you can be an active citizen by going green!

Recycled Paper-Making Demonstrations
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Main Lobby
Using recycled products to make new paper is an idea that dates back many years! During the Colonial period, paper mills like Rittenhouse Town used old cotton cloths to create their paper; at the National Constitution Center, you can use the same process they did to make new paper out of our office scrap paper.

Make and Take Activities
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Main Lobby
Plant seeds and decorate planters, and make butterflies and honey bees from soda bottles, and "Go Green" origami cootie catchers and bingo cards.

Educational Resources

The Center offers engaging educational resources for Earth Day and civic holidays throughout the year. Tune in online here to view a special Earth Day episode of the Center’s popular webcast and live chat series, Constitution Hall Pass.