FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Annie Stone, 703-217-1169 [email protected]
Merissa Blum, 215-370-0387 [email protected]
50-TON FIRST AMENDMENT TABLET FROM NEWSEUM FAÇADE NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER
National Constitution Center to host special online and on-site programming, including discounted admission and free days through March 2022; Formal unveiling ceremony to take place spring 2022
Philadelphia, PA (January 18, 2022) – The National Constitution Center announced today that the installation of the 50-ton marble tablet, engraved with the 45 words of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, is now complete. The tablet spans a 100-foot-wide wall on the Center’s Grand Hall Overlook, the second-floor atrium overlooking historic Independence Mall. The iconic First Amendment tablet was previously displayed on the four-story-high, 74-foot-tall Pennsylvania Avenue façade of the Newseum, a nonprofit museum founded by the Freedom Forum and dedicated to the five freedoms of the First Amendment.
“It’s so meaningful for the National Constitution Center to give the iconic First Amendment tablet a permanent home overlooking Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Constitution was drafted,” said National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen. “Chiseled in marble, the text of the First Amendment, and the five freedoms it protects, will inspire visitors from across America and around the world for generations to come.”
Freedom Forum Chair and Chief Executive Officer Jan Neuharth said, “As the Freedom Forum works to foster First Amendment freedoms for all, we couldn’t imagine a better home for our tablet than the National Constitution Center, where so many Americans gather each year to celebrate the values that define our country.”
In spring 2022, the National Constitution Center will celebrate the installation of the First Amendment tablet with a formal unveiling ceremony and First Amendment symposium featuring leading experts and scholars. The symposium will serve as the launch of a three-year initiative to develop related public programming exploring First Amendment principles and issues, including America’s Town Hall programs, online constitutional classes, and podcast debates. The initiative will culminate with the opening of a new permanent First Amendment gallery at the National Constitution Center to ensure continued engagement with people from across the country and around the world on the history and meaning of the First Amendment.
The tablet, which is made of Tennessee pink marble, was engraved, fabricated, and erected in 2007 at the Newseum’s 555 Pennsylvania Avenue location. After the Newseum closed in 2019, the Freedom Forum donated the tablet to the National Constitution Center. The redesign and installation of the tablet was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Honorable J. Michael Luttig and Mrs. Elizabeth A. Luttig with additional support from Crystal Trust.
In conjunction with the installation of the First Amendment tablet, the National Constitution Center will also offer special freedom and equality-themed programming for online and on-site visitors between January and March 2022. Programming for educators, students, families, and lifelong learners will include civic holiday celebrations and special programs at the Center; discounted and free admission days; online classes taught by constitutional experts; virtual tours of the museum; and professional learning opportunities for educators featuring distinguished guest speakers. A full list of programs is available here.
Ticket Information
From Wednesday, January 19, through Thursday, March 31, visitors can enjoy discounted admission of $10 for adults (usually $14.50) and $7.50 for youth ages 6-18 (usually $11). This promotion is valid online only; tickets must be purchased in advance. Members, active military personnel, and children ages 5 and under are free. Admission for 15 or more is $7.50 for student and youth groups; $9 for adult and senior groups. *Visit constitutioncenter.org for the most up-to-date ticket information.
The National Constitution Center is committed to the health and safety of visitors, staff, and volunteers and is welcoming visitors Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in accordance with local, state, and federal health guidelines. As a GBAC STAR™ accredited facility, the Center is proud to be recognized for cleaning and disinfecting to a higher standard. More information on health and safety policies is available here.
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
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About the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the Center serves as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling its congressional charter “to disseminate information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis.” As the Museum of We the People, the Center brings the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, the Center brings the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, the Center delivers the best educational programs and online resources that inspire citizens and engage all Americans in learning about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org.
