Programs & Events

• Home
• Programs & Events
• The Constitution's 225 Anniversary

Throughout 2012, the National Constitution Center is the the national headquarters for a historic milestone: the United States Constitution’s 225th anniversary. Located on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia—where the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787—the Center is presenting an extraordinary schedule of onsite and online programs that engage citizens nationwide in celebration of the Constitution and its legacy of freedom. These programs illuminate constitutional ideals and inspire active citizenship during a crucial election year. The commemoration culminates in September with a star-studded 225th Constitution Day extravaganza and Liberty Medal ceremony.

All year long, visitors can pledge their commitment to freedom by signing the commemorative 225th anniversary Constitution at the Center or online!

225th anniversary highlights include:

Governors Proclaim the 225th Anniversary

Governor Jack Markell of Delaware—the first state to ratify the Constitution— kicked off the yearlong festivities as the first governor to present an official, signed proclamation commemorating the Constitution’s historic 225th anniversary. The Center has obtained proclamations from governors across the nation that call upon Americans to remember the Constitution's enduring significance and reflect on our rights and responsibilities as active citizens. These proclamations will be on display at the Center throughout the year.

Celebrating Freedom of Expression

Celebrate our right to free expression at the must-see exhibition From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen—never before seen outside of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum! This first major exhibition about Bruce Springsteen takes a comprehensive look at his catalog through more than 150 rare artifacts. From Asbury Park to the Promised Land is on view from February 17 to September 3.

Sign the Constitution

Freedom is Calling.  Be a part of it. Sign the Constitution today! In celebration of the 225th Anniversary of the Constitution, the National Constitution Center invites you to sign our commemorative edition of the U.S. Constitution.

Engaging in Election 2012

The Center celebrates our freedom to vote by becoming a hub of election activity during the 2012 presidential race.

Election fervor builds with a timely and cutting-edge update to the voting booths inside the Center’s main exhibition, The Story of We the People. In partnership with fast-growing Internet startup ElectNext, the Center has revolutionized how visitors approach the voting process – and who they are voting for. Like eHarmony for voters, the interactive technology inside the voting booths feature a series of issues-based questions that match visitors to the presidential candidate who best fits their political values.

Address America: Your Six Word Stump Speech, is an onsite and online exhibit that invites citizens to text and Tweet their election priorities. Add your voice to the political discourse of America!

Starting in August, visitors can experience Headed to the White House, a multimedia exhibition developed by the Center which captures the excitement and pageantry of America’s election process and explores the 2012 election's candidates and issues.

The Center is partnering with Yahoo! News to put citizens at the forefront of election coverage. The Center will provide issue-focused commentary and features from its Constitution Daily blog to be carried on Yahoo!’s online and social media platforms.

Stop by the Center’s Election Lounge, on our Grand Hall Overlook, to watch presidential campaign ads, cast a vote in our gumball poll, explore the ins and outs of running for president, register to vote, track primary results, create campaign buttons and more!

Throughout the year, the Center’s evening program series, will feature prominent political leaders, journalists and experts who will examine the issues at the heart of the 2012 election, including tax reform, health care, gay marriage, foreign policy, immigration and the economy.

Learning about Civic Holidays with Constitution Hall Pass

Millions of students around the country will celebrate civic holidays and learn about the creation of the Constitution and its contemporary relevance with the Center’s free webcast and live chat series Constitution Hall Pass. Episodes are available free of charge to educators at Constitution Hall Pass and are broadcast on Channel One News, the leading television news network for teens.

The Grand Finale: 225th Anniversary Constitution Day and Liberty Medal

The 225th Anniversary of the Constitution will culminate in a grand finale in September, when the Center welcomes audiences nationwide to participate in festive programs and star-studded special events in connection with a weeklong 225th Constitution Day celebration and the 2012 Liberty Medal ceremony. As the capstone of this historic occasion, the Liberty Medal ceremony pays homage to men and women of courage and conviction who have answered the call of freedom. Previous Liberty Medal recipients include Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Nelson Mandela, Bono, and most recently former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Freedom is calling. Answer it at the National Constitution Center as we celebrate 225 years of constitutional history.

Please check this page for event updates!