FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Annie Stone, 703-217-1169, [email protected]
NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER ANNOUNCES “SUMMER OF RED, WHITE, AND YOU!”, A SERIES OF FREE ADMISSION DAYS AND IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL EVENTS
Free admission on June 19, in honor of Juneteenth; June 29, courtesy of Wawa for Wawa Hoagie Day®; and on July 4, in honor of Independence Day—plus a new slate of themed programs each week in July
Philadelphia, PA (June 13, 2022) – The National Constitution Center today announced Summer of Red, White, and You!, a fun and educational series of summer programming featuring an array of in-person and online events, along with free admissions days, that encourages visitors to explore how they are a part of the story of We, the People. Upcoming special events kick off with Flag Day on June 14; free museum admission in honor of Juneteenth on June 19 with virtual events on June 20; free hoagies served at noon at 5th and 6th Streets and free museum admission for Wawa Hoagie Day® on June 29; and dedicated weeks of special programs throughout July celebrating Independence Week and exploring the themes of We the People, the First Amendment, Women and the Constitution, and Battles for Equality. See below for further details:
Tuesday, June 14 *Museum closed
Free programs on Independence Mall and online resources available
From star-spangled banners to five-star generals, Philadelphia’s historic district celebrates the shared birthday of two of our country’s greatest institutions—the American flag and the U.S. Army. Events across Old City Philadelphia include flag raising ceremonies, a patriotic parade, swearing-in of Army recruits, a dramatic skydiving performance, displays and demonstrations of U.S. Army equipment, giant flag folding activities, and a moving naturalization ceremony. Most events will be outdoors and free to the public; no reservations are required. Online resources are available here, and all are welcome to register for the Center’s virtual American Flag History and Etiquette Workshop at noon here.
Juneteenth With Free Admission
Sunday, June 19. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free museum admission
The National Constitution Center offers many ways to celebrate Juneteenth, the annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States in 1865. Visitors can commemorate this historic event with special tours of the Center’s exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality, and programs highlighting figures from the Reconstruction era like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.
Juneteenth (Observed) Virtual Programs
Monday, June 20 *Museum Closed
The National Constitution Center will mark the official observance of Juneteenth on Monday, June 20 with a series of virtual programs. Online audiences can participate in two interactive shows: The Four Harriets Show about four American women’s efforts to free themselves and others from bondage, and The Road to Freedom Show exploring slavery in the United States through a constitutional lens. A museum educator will also lead virtual visitors through a live tour of Civil War: The Battle for Freedom and Equality. All programs are free on Zoom and attendees can register for the individual programs here.
Wawa Hoagie Day® With Free Museum Admission
Wednesday, June 29, Extended hours 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Free museum admission courtesy of Wawa
Celebrate Wawa Hoagie Day® with the National Constitution Center! Attendees will enjoy free Wawa hoagies served at noon at 5th and 6th Streets, special programs, and more! As always, Hoagie Day® will honor those who serve with an 8-ton hoagie with the first 10,000 hoagies donated to Philabundance, Veteran’s Multi-Service Center, and Police Athletic League, followed by distribution to the general public. As part of Wawa Welcome America, Wawa invites all visitors to enjoy free museum admission at the National Constitution Center.
June 29, through July 4, 2022; Extended hours on Wednesday, June 29, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and museum open on July 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free museum admission on July 4
Join the National Constitution Center for an array of patriotic festivities surrounding Independence Day, exploring the history of the Declaration of Independence and how the definition of “We the People” has expanded since Thomas Jefferson penned the famous words “…all men are created equal…” in 1776. Visitors can attend the interactive Independence Day show and American Flag History and Etiquette workshops, as well as create Colonial-era arts and crafts and stop by the museum’s Revolutionary War encampment on the museum’s front lawn. Throughout the week, visitors can also attend special scholarly talks that explore the expanded understanding of Independence Day. On Monday and Tuesday, the Center will host a virtual American flag history and etiquette workshop and virtual Independence Day Show. Details and Zoom registration for these free live online events are available here.
July 5 to July 10, 2022
So, we’ve declared our independence. Now what? Visit the National Constitution Center to learn how we get from “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” to forming “a more perfect Union.” Walk among the delegates to the Constitutional Convention and learn about the key figures and debates that shaped the nation’s founding. Consider yourself a constitutional expert? Test your knowledge with our Constitutional Quizzo game! Learners of all ages can unscramble the Preamble with our Preamble Puzzle make-and-take crafts and brainstorm a 28th Amendment! On Tuesday, a museum educator will lead virtual visitors on a tour of Signers’ Hall. Details and Zoom registration for this free live online event is available here.
July 11 to July 17, 2022
What are the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment and why did the Founding generation include them in the Bill of Rights? Discover how your favorite historic figures used the First Amendment to secure freedom and equality for all. Embark on a scavenger hunt as you explore the exhibits and uncover First Amendment cases that shaped our constitutional history! On Monday and Tuesday, visitors from all over can participate in a virtual Bill of Rights exhibit tour and Bill of Rights trivia game. Details and Zoom registration for these free live online events are available here.
Women and the Constitution Week
July 18 to July 24, 2022
Celebrate the anniversary of the Seneca Falls Convention where women gathered to insist that “all men and women are created equal.” March alongside suffragists in the Center’s newest exhibit, The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote! Along the way, learn the stories of the Four Harriets, four American women who fought to abolish slavery and shape constitutional history. Ready to secure voting rights? Design your own signs and sashes to show your support for suffrage! Virtual audiences can also participate in an exhibit tour and curator conversation on Monday and Tuesday. Details and Zoom registration for these free live online events are available here.
July 25 to July 31, 2022
How has our understanding of equality expanded over time? Visit the National Constitution Center and examine how the battles for freedom and equality have strengthened the nation. Follow along the Road to Freedom to see whether a house divided against itself can stand, tour the Civil War and Reconstruction exhibit, and decode a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln. On Monday and Tuesday, all are welcome to join a virtual Four Harriets program and tour of Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality. Details and Zoom registration for these free live online events are available here.
The National Constitution Center’s general operating hours are currently Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with special extended hours on June 29 and July 4. The National Constitution Center is committed to the health and safety of visitors, staff, and volunteers and is following protocols in accordance with local, state, and federal health guidelines. Masks are optional; proof of vaccination is not required. 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.
Please note: All programs are subject to change. Please call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org for the most up-to-date program information.
Ticket Information
General Admission: Adults $14.50; Youth (6-18) $11; Students w/ID and Seniors $13. 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.
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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, we serve as America’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate, fulfilling our congressional charter “to disseminate information about the United States Constitution on a nonpartisan basis in order to increase awareness and understanding of the Constitution among the American people.” As the Museum of We the People, we bring the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive programs and exhibits. As America’s Town Hall, we convene the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a Headquarters for Civic Education, we offer the best educational programs and online resources that inspire 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.
