at the Center
Constitution Day
September 17, 2013
Celebrate the Constitution’s 226th anniversary with the National Constitution Center! We offer the best ways to fulfill your Constitution Day education requirements—at the museum and in the classroom. Head to the Center on Constitution Day, September 17, 2013 for FREE admission, plus an array of engaging educational programs, ceremonies, hands-on crafts, and other festivities. Or commemorate this important civic holiday in your classroom with our interactive Constitution Hall Pass webcast, plus games, downloadable lesson plans, and other outstanding online resources available FREE at constitutioncenter.org/constitutionday.
Constitution Hall Pass: Constitution Day 2013: The Legislative Branch
Online video lesson and live chat: September 9-20, 2013 (live chat on weekdays only)
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST
Give your students a “hall pass” to travel through American history—without leaving the classroom! Constitution Hall Pass video lessons and live chats are a hit with millions of students and teachers nationwide. Our brand-new episode, “Constitution Day 2013: The Legislative Branch,” provides a behind-the-scenes look at how laws are made in the United States. Plus, we’ll explore some famous historic sites which bring the story of the legislative branch to life!
All you need is an internet connection to participate! Tune in at constitutioncenter.org/constitutionday.
This program has been supported by The Hearst Foundation, Inc.
Free Events and Activities at the Center - September 17
FREE Admission to the National Constitution Center
All Day
226: Preamble Challenge
8:30 a.m.
Front Lawn
To kick off the day the Constitution was signed 226 years ago, the Center hosts a stirring reading of the first words written in our nation’s founding document: the Preamble.
Bill of Rights show
Show times TBD
Richard and Helen DeVos Exhibit Hall
Who wants to be a “Bill”-ionaire? In the Center’s fast-paced game show, visitors face off in a fun competition testing their Bill of Rights knowledge while an engaging host reveals the real deal about our amendments and freedoms.
Separation of Powers show
Show times TBD
Grand Hall Overlook
This high-energy show explores how our Constitution limits government by separating powers—a truly revolutionary idea! Take part in an educational tug-of-war game between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches while learning about checks and balances.
Pass the Citizenship Test show
Show times TBD
Grand Hall Overlook
Do you know what it takes to become an American citizen? During this engaging program, you’ll learn about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and gain insight into our country and our freedoms.
Chalk Mural
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Front Lawn
Check out a funky tribute to Article I of the Constitution, drawn in chalk on the Center’s walkway.
Printing and Craft Activities
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grand Hall Overlook
Visitors can explore a re-created Colonial print shop—complete with a replica printing press from the 1700s—where they can print a copy of the Preamble in the same way as the Constitutional Convention’s printers John Dunlap and David C. Claypoole. Plus, take part in arts and crafts projects, join in a calligraphy demonstration, and learn the copperplate script used to pen the Constitution.
Colonial Lawn Games
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Front Lawn
Try your hand at graces, hoop and stick, nine pin, and other games popular during the Colonial era.
I Signed the Constitution
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grand Hall Lobby
Visitors can check out our giant version of the U.S. Constitution and sign their names alongside Washington, Franklin, and Madison.
Constitution Day Partners
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Grand Hall Lobby
The National Constitution Center hosts several partner organizations to help us celebrate Constitution Day, including the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Daughters of the American Revolution, Progressive Business Publications, James Madison’s Montpelier, and more to be announced.
American National Tree Induction Ceremony
10 a.m.
Richard and Helen DeVos Exhibit Hall
One of our most popular exhibits, the American National Tree spotlights 100 Americans whose actions have shaped our constitutional history. On Constitution Day, another distinguished citizen will be added to the Tree. The National Constitution Center, in partnership with Scholastic Inc. and the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, will feature the high school winner of the 2013 M.R. Robinson National Constitution Center American National Tree Award—whose essay will help us select the 2013 inductee.
Naturalization Ceremony
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
F.M. Kirby Auditorium
Immigrants from across the globe will take the Oath of Allegiance to officially become citizens of the United States. The ceremony will feature a keynote address by Gerda Weissmann Klein, a noted humanitarian, naturalized citizen, and Holocaust survivor. Presiding will be the Honorable John R. Padova.
The Constitution’s 226th Anniversary Celebration
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Grand Hall Overlook
Enjoy a slice of cake and sing “Happy Birthday” to ring in the 226th anniversary of the Constitution’s signing. The celebration includes a special appearance by President George Washington, live music, and much more!
