PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 5, 2023) – The National Constitution Center (NCC) today released a lineup of programming to celebrate Presidents Day weekend—Saturday, February 17, through Monday, February 19—offering a variety of events and resources exploring Article II of the Constitution, the role of the executive branch, and the individuals who have held the office of the president throughout American history. The Center will host activities all weekend long, including presidential trivia games, arts and crafts stations, story corners, and more. Admission on Monday, February 19, is free thanks to the generous support of Citizen Travelers, the nonpartisan civic engagement initiative of Travelers.
On Monday, February 19, the Center will have special programming including a presidential costume contest for kids, opportunities to meet presidential reenactors, a voting booth activity, and more.
That evening, in partnership with The Atlantic, National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen launches his new book, The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America during a conversation with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. Rosen offers a fascinating examination of what “the pursuit of happiness” meant to our nation’s founders and how that famous phrase defined their lives and became the foundation of our democracy. A book signing will follow.
A full list of programming can be found HERE.
Presidents Day 2024 Programming – Monday, February 19
Presidential Costume Contest
10 a.m. registration begins, judging occurs during the 11:45 a.m. Kids Town Hall; Kirby Auditorium
Children are encouraged to come to the National Constitution Center dressed as a U.S. president or first lady to enter the Center’s Presidential Costume Contest, and those ages 12 and younger are eligible to participate. The most original costume, as judged by a panel of presidential reenactors, will be awarded a family membership, valued at $95. Winners will be selected during the Kids Town Hall program.
Kids Town Hall: Meet the Presidents
11:45 a.m., Kirby Auditorium
Join in a special Kids Town Hall with some very famous guests—Presidents Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. The presidents will be available for photo opportunities and to sign autographs before and after the program.
Meet the Presidents
10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Grand Hall Lobby
You are cordially invited to a special meet-and-greet event, where historical reenactors portraying Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt will mingle with visitors, pose for photo ops, sign autographs, and discuss their lives and presidencies.
Voting Booth Activity
All day, Grand Hall Lobby
Step inside a real voting booth to learn about the election process and cast your vote for your favorite historic president.
The Pursuit of Happiness: A Book Launch and Conversation with Jeffrey Rosen and Jeffrey Goldberg
6:30 p.m., Grand Hall Overlook
Register to attend in person or online
This Presidents Day, join National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen as he launches his new book in conversation with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic. In The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America, Rosen offers a fascinating examination of what “the pursuit of happiness” meant to our nation’s founders and how that famous phrase defined their lives and became the foundation of our democracy.
A book sale and signing with Jeffrey Rosen will follow the discussion.
Additional Presidents Day Weekend Programming
Scholar Talk: The Strange Election of 1856
Saturday, February 17, 12:45 p.m. | F.M. Kirby Auditorium
This Presidents Day weekend, join author Robert Strauss and explore one of the strangest elections in our nation’s history: the 1856 three-way race between Democrat James Buchanan, Republican John C. Frémont, and the Know Nothing Party nominee Millard Fillmore. Buchanan emerged victorious (and went on to be, what some have argued, one of the worst presidents in history), but not before a number twists and turns along the way. Strauss is the author of Worst. President. Ever.: James Buchanan, the POTUS Rating Game, and the Legacy of the Least of the Lesser Presidents.
Daily Activities in the Grand Hall Lobby
*Check visitor guide for daily showtimes
Presidential Parties and Platforms Show
Get your stump speeches ready! Join our presidential parties and platforms program to learn about the road to the White House, discover the ins and outs of the Executive Branch, and carry out the duties of the presidency!
Presidential Trivia
How well do you know the presidents? Join the National Constitution Center’s education team to test your knowledge about the nation’s commanders in chief. What is the most common first name among presidents? Who was the tallest president? Which president holds the record for use of the veto power? Bring your Article II A-game and remember “the buck stops here!”
Voter Tech Artifact Cart
Discover how voting methods have changed throughout history with our Voter Tech Artifact Cart!
Campaign Poster Stations
I like Ike! Keep it cool with Coolidge! Tippecanoe and Tyler Too! If you were running for president, what would your campaign slogan be? Make a campaign poster and convince folks to vote for YOU!
Trading Stories Craft
Explore the lives of influential African American figures while creating and collecting your own trading cards! Learn about the incredible lives of Mary Ann Shadd Cary, Hiram R. Revels, Mae Carol Jemison, and more!
Freedom Fighter Story Corner
Explore the lives of famous African American freedom fighters during story time. Learn about the incredible lives of Ida B. Wells, Harriet Tubman, Henry Box Brown, and more as we read books honoring the bravery and brilliance of famous African Americans from history.
Visiting the National Constitution Center
This winter, the National Constitution Center is offering discounted admission along with a series of programs and events that explore freedom and equality in America. From Wednesday, January 3, through Sunday, March 24, enjoy discounted admission of $15 for adults (usually $19) and $12 for youth ages 6-18 (usually $15). Purchasing tickets online is recommended and can be done so HERE. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and you can find the most up-to-date information on events and programs at the museum by visiting ConstitutionCenter.org/calendar.
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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.
