FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Merissa Blum, 215-409-6645
[email protected]
CELEBRATE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY AT THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER WITH DISCOUNTED ADMISSION AND SPECIAL PERFORMANCES ON JANUARY 20
Enjoy $5 admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Philadelphia, PA (January 9, 2020) – The National Constitution Center will honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s lifelong dedication to justice, equality, and service for the greater good on Monday, January 20, with discounted $5 admission. Special programs include a moving reading of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, performed by a diverse ensemble of local actors and students from local colleges and universities, and performances by “Two of a Kind,” an award-winning, nationally touring, husband-wife duo. Frances Ellen Watkins Harper: The Great Problem to Be Solved—a one-actor theatrical performance in the 14th Amendment section of the new Civil War and Reconstruction exhibit highlighting Harper, a key African American figure from the Reconstruction era—will also be offered on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Additional programming includes craft projects, a story corner, and other family-friendly activities.
In partnership with Global Citizen’s Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, the Center will host a book and school supply drive that will benefit local schools. National Constitution Center museum educators will also participate in Global Citizen’s signature site event at Girard College.
In advance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Friday, January 17, teachers and students can celebrate in the classroom with a Classroom Exchange on what Freedom of Speech means today. An integral part of the National Constitution Center’s civic education efforts, the Classroom Exchanges program pairs classrooms from across the country to engage in real-time civil dialogue around big constitutional questions.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Programs
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper: The Great Problem to Be Solved Theatrical Performance
Twice an hour between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
As visitors explore Civil War and Reconstruction, they will encounter a one-actor performance in the 14th Amendment section of the exhibit highlighting Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, a key African American figure from the Reconstruction era. Harper, a staunch abolitionist, suffragist, poet, teacher, writer, and public speaker, speaks out in this 1875 address to the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, outlining the work yet to be done in the cause for African American freedom. This production has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.
Martin Luther King Jr. and His Legacy
10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m., Grand Hall Overlook
In this engaging program, visitors can learn about Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of himself as an agent of service, how that understanding led him to the use of nonviolence, and how other leaders from around the world were influenced by his legacy. Visitors will also discover ways they can serve their own communities.
Two of a Kind Musical Performance
11 a.m. and 1 p.m., F.M. Kirby Auditorium
Visitors can sing along with “Two of a Kind,” an award-winning, nationally touring, husband-wife duo, during an interactive musical program. Focusing on themes related to Martin Luther King Jr., the performance will encourage audience participation through songs, sign language, movement, and stories.
“I Have a Dream” Speech
12 p.m. and 2 p.m., F.M. Kirby Auditorium
A diverse ensemble of local actors will join students from local colleges and universities to perform a passionate reading of Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Day of Service Story Corner
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Grand Hall Overlook
At the National Constitution Center’s story corner, Center staff will engage the day’s youngest visitors by reading beloved books about Martin Luther King Jr. Day, like Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan.
Arts and Crafts Activity Tables
9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Grand Hall Overlook
Visitors can create “I Have a Dream…” mobiles and express their dreams for their communities, the country, and the world.
Admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day includes access to the National Constitution Center’s new permanent exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality; the interactive main exhibit, The Story of We the People; the signature multimedia, theatrical performance of Freedom Rising presented in the Sidney Kimmel Theater; and the iconic Signers’ Hall, featuring 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers.
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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.
