Everyone Has A Civic Spark. What’s Yours?

A Civic Spark is a moment or experience that connects you to the ideas that shape our communities and our country. It might be a visit to a national park, a lesson in school, military service, a meaningful conversation with a family member, or a moment that inspired you to learn more about the world around you.

Every Civic Spark reflects a connection to the American story and the constitutional ideals that have shaped our nation for nearly 250 years, and that continue to guide our civic life today.

By sharing our stories and listening to others , we can see how individual experiences become part of something larger, helping to inspire new conversations, new perspectives, and new Civic Sparks.

The National Constitution Center is collecting and sharing these stories digitally and in our museum via a Civic Spark Studio to celebrate the many ways constitutional ideals have shaped America for nearly 250 years and continue to shape our lives today.

Together, these stories remind us that history is still being written, and that our story continues.

Record and share your own Civic Spark and become part of a growing collection of stories from people across the nation. Your story may inspire someone else's journey and help future generations understand how constitutional ideals continue to shape our lives.

Consider the below prompts:

• What place—museum, historic site, neighborhood, monument, or cultural experience—shaped the way you see history or America's story?
• Who first sparked your interest in history, civics, or learning about the world around you?
• What moment or event made you feel like you were part of America's story? What made it meaningful to you?

Record Your Civic Spark Story

1. Record on Your Own
   • Record a short video sharing your Civic Spark on any device.
   • Share your video on your favorite social media platform or share with your family and friends.
   • Tag the National Constitution Center at @ConstitutitionCtr.
   • Use #CivicSpark so others can discover and share in the conversation.


2. Record at the National Constitution Center

Visit our Civic Spark Recording Studio at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia to record your Civic Spark and receive a shareable, social-ready video.

Plan Your Visit

Watch Civic Sparks from members of the National Constitution Center community to get inspired to share your own Civic Spark.

Our Interim President and CEO, Vince Stango, was inspired by his childhood visits to the public library.

Inspired by childhood experiences growing up near a historical site and reading the Constitution at an early age.

Inspired by family passion for history, classroom trips, and working for local politicians.