PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 2, 2023) –The National Constitution Center today announced its Black History Month programming, made possible through the generosity of TD Bank. As part of the Center’s All Together Now: A Celebration of Equality programming series through the end of March, February’s Black History Month programming will continue to examine how “We the People” have worked throughout history to expand human rights and make our nation, and the Constitution itself, more inclusive—highlighting abolitionists, suffragists, and civil rights leaders.
Kicking off the month of February, the Center will host live online classes on February 2 and February 3 exploring Black history and the First Amendment. Other virtual programs include Live from the Museum: The Four Harriets of History Program on February 8, and Virtual Tours: First Amendment and Freedom Fighters on February 22 and February 24.
Black History Month programming is made possible through the generosity of TD Bank. Other activities at the museum and online can be found HERE and include:
First Amendment Freedom Fighters Tour
*Offered Weekends
Dive into Black History Month with an exhibit tour highlighting the freedom fighters who used the power of the First Amendment to gain freedom for themselves and ensure it for others. Take an educator-led tour of our Civil War and Reconstruction exhibit, explore the First Amendment tablet, and examine how the history of the First Amendment has played hand-in-hand with the civil rights movement.
The Road to Freedom: The Story of Slavery in America Program
Multiple Daily Showtimes in the Grand Hall Overlook
This interactive program explores the story of slavery in the United States through a constitutional lens, taking visitors on a journey from the time of the Constitutional Convention to the start of the Civil War. It spotlights historic figures—like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ona Judge, Angelina Grimke, Harriet Tubman, William Still, and Abraham Lincoln—and key events—such as the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Dred Scott case, and the secession of the South.
Decoding the Document: Emancipation Proclamation
*Offered Weekends
Join us as we take a closer look at a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln in the Center’s feature exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality. Together we’ll explore why the President Lincoln issued this proclamation, what it meant for over 4 million Americans then held in bondage, and why the nation still required a constitutional amendment to permanently abolish slavery.
Presidents Day
Admission to the museum is free on Monday, February 20, courtesy of TD Bank.
The National Constitution Center celebrates Presidents Day with a variety of in-person and virtual 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. Presidents Day weekend activities at the museum include craft stations, programming about the road to the White House, and presidential trivia.
On Presidents Day, special family programming will include:
Kids Town Hall: Meet the Presidents
12:45 p.m., Kirby Auditorium and Livestreamed
Join in a special Kids Town Hall with some very famous guests—Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. The presidents will be available for photo opportunities and to sign autographs before and after the program.
Presidential Costume Contest
1:15 p.m., 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. Children ages 12 and under 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.
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
From January 4 – March 31, 2023, visitors can enjoy discounted admission of $10 for adults and $7.50 for youth ages 6-18. Discounted admission is valid online only and will automatically be applied at checkout. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
The National Constitution Center is located at 525 Arch Street on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall. The Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sundays.
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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.
