PHILADELPHIA, PA (July 21, 2025) – Today, the National Constitution Center (NCC) released a lineup of programming as part of its fall 2025 America’s Town Hall series of constitutional conversations and debates, moderated by NCC President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen. All programs are free to the public and will be held live online via Zoom and YouTube, and select events held in person as noted. The full list of programs, including registration information, is available HERE. All programs are open to the press and require registration.
The fall 2025 America’s Town Hall season kicks off at the American Philosophical Society on Monday, September 8, with “Pursuit of Happiness: Song Cycles by Jeffrey Rosen” which will also mark the launch of a new podcast from the National Constitution Center. Jeffrey Rosen, Center president and CEO and author of The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America and host of the podcast about civic virtue, will present his original songs inspired by the book’s exploration of the classical writers on virtue that shaped the founders. The performance will feature two song cycles—The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness and Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses—with Rosen joined by pianist Jennifer Blyth and baritone James Martin, professors of music at Dickinson College.
On Constitution Day, September 17, U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett will come to the Center, joining Rosen for a special conversation to discuss her new book, Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and the Constitution. Justice Barrett will reflect on her journey to the Court and offers a glimpse into her role (and daily life) as a justice, including her deliberative process and how she approaches interpreting the Constitution. A book sale and signing will follow the program.
As part of additional Constitution Week programming, constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar of Yale Law School will join Rosen on September 16 to discuss his new book, Born Equal: Remaking America’s Constitution, 1840–1920, which explores the transformative amendments that redefined freedom, equality, and voting rights in the post–Civil War era. A book sale and signing will follow the program, which will be held in-person at the Center and online.
Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Eric Foner will join on September 24, to discuss Our Fragile Freedoms, a new collection of essays exploring a range of topics, including debates over slavery and antislavery, the Civil War and Reconstruction, Jim Crow and the battle to dismantle it, and modern debates over the Constitution and how to teach American history.
On October 21, Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, joins for the launch of Rosen’s new book, The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America. The book explores how the opposing constitutional visions of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton have defined the nation since its founding, shaped presidents from Washington to Trump, and continued to drive today’s debates over government power. This program is presented in partnership with The Atlantic and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History; a book sale and signing will follow the event, which will be held in-person at the Center and live online.
On November 24, Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Edward Larson joins Rosen to discuss his newest book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters. This book traces the idea of American independence in one pivotal year—1776—and explores why this year continues to hold significance today. This program is generously sponsored by Citizen Travelers, the nonpartisan civic engagement initiative of Travelers.
All programs are open to the press. Please RSVP to Moira Bagley Smith or via the program links below.
America's Town Hall Fall 2025 Programming
NOTE: Programs are subject to change. Visit the National Constitution Center’s website for the most up-to-date program details.
Pursuit of Happiness: Song Cycles by Jeffrey Rosen
Monday, September 8 | 7 p.m. ET
Free In Person; American Philosophical Society, 427 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Join us at the American Philosophical Society for a special recital marking the launch of Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness, a new podcast from the National Constitution Center. Jeffrey Rosen, author of The Pursuit of Happiness and host of the podcast, will present his original songs inspired by the book’s exploration of the classical writers on virtue that shaped the founders. The performance will feature two song cycles—The Golden Mean: Songs for the Pursuit of Happiness and Twelve Titans: Songs of the Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses—with Rosen joined by pianist Jennifer Blyth and baritone James Martin, professors of music at Dickinson College.
Born Equal: America’s Founding Promise and the Fight for Equality
Tuesday, September | 6:30 p.m. ET
Free In Person and Online
On the eve of Constitution Day, constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar of Yale Law School discusses his new book, Born Equal: Remaking America’s Constitution, 1840–1920, which explores the transformative amendments that redefined freedom, equality, and voting rights in the post–Civil War era. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. A book sale and signing will follow the program.
An Evening With Justice Amy Coney Barrett
Wednesday, September 17 | 6:30 p.m. ET
Free In Person and Online
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett joins National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen for a special Constitution Day conversation to discuss her new book, Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and the Constitution. Justice Barrett reflects on her journey to the Court and offers a glimpse into her role (and daily life) as a justice, including her deliberative process and how she approaches interpreting the Constitution. A book sale and signing will follow the program.
Our Fragile Freedoms
Wednesday, September 24 | Noon ET
Free Online
Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Eric Foner discusses Our Fragile Freedoms, a new collection of essays exploring a range of topics, including debates over slavery and antislavery, the Civil War and Reconstruction, Jim Crow and the battle to dismantle it, and modern debates over the Constitution and how to teach American history. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.
The Pursuit of Liberty: A Book Launch Event With Jeffrey Rosen and Jeffrey Goldberg
Tuesday, October 21 | 6:30 p.m. ET
Free In Person and Online
Join National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen and Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg for the launch of Rosen’s new book, The Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle Over Power in America. The book explores how the opposing constitutional visions of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton have defined the nation since its founding, shaped presidents from Washington to Trump, and continued to drive today’s debates over government power.
A book sale and signing will follow the program.
This program is presented in partnership with The Atlantic and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.
Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters
Monday, November 24 | Noon ET
Free Online
Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Edward Larson discusses his newest book, Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Still Matters. This book traces the idea of American independence in one pivotal year—1776—and explores why this year continues to hold significance today. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.
This program is generously sponsored by Citizen Travelers, the nonpartisan civic engagement initiative of Travelers.
###
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.
