PHILADELPHIA, PA (August 25, 2026) — On September 17, 2026, the National Constitution Center will host its annual Constitution Day celebration, the largest in the country. As America marks its 250th anniversary, this year’s commemoration will explore the connection between the Declaration of Independence and the constitutional system that followed and look ahead to the 250th anniversaries of the Constitution in 2037 and the Bill of Rights in 2041. Together, these milestones frame the Civic Decade, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deepen understanding of our shared history and strengthen civic learning for generations to come.
“Constitution Day reminds us that the American story did not end with the Declaration of Independence. It continues with the Constitution and lives on through every generation that studies it, debates it, and works to fulfill its promise of self-government,” said Vince Stango, interim president and CEO of the National Constitution Center. “As we begin the Civic Decade leading to the Constitution’s 250th anniversary in 2037 and the Bill of Rights’ in 2041, we invite students, families, teachers, and visitors from across the country to join us in Philadelphia to celebrate this extraordinary document and consider the role each of us plays in carrying its principles forward.”
Throughout the day, visitors can witness a naturalization ceremony, meet Revolutionary-era figures, participate in a lively reading of the Constitution’s Preamble, explore hands-on activities and workshops, and enjoy constitutional birthday cake. An evening program on “forgotten founders” will explore the lives and legacies of John Dickinson, Gouverneur Morris, Roger Sherman, and James Wilson.
Ahead of Constitution Day, the Center will offer virtual Live From the Museum offerings for student and general audiences, inviting learners from across the country into our new America’s Founding and Governing the Nation exhibits, as well as the iconic Signers’ Hall for free pre-Constitution Day online programs.
Museum admission will be free on Thursday, September 17 courtesy of PECO.
Featured programs include:
Constitution Day Naturalization Ceremony
9:30 a.m. ET, F.M. Kirby Auditorium and Online
September 17 also commemorates Citizenship Day, honoring the rights, responsibilities, and shared ideals of U.S. citizenship. During the Center’s annual Naturalization Ceremony, 50 immigrants from around the world will take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become citizens of the United States.
The Honorable John R. Padova, senior judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, will preside over the ceremony. National Constitution Center interim President and CEO Vince Stango will offer remarks.
“We, the People” Show
10:30 a.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook Stage
Through the lens of the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment, this program illuminates the stories of five extraordinary Americans who exercised their constitutional freedoms to fight for change and expand the meaning of “We the People.”
“Inspired by Independence” Show
11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook Stage
For 250 years, Americans have turned to the words of the Declaration of Independence to demand greater freedom and equality. From the Seneca Falls Convention to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, this program explores how generations of Americans have drawn on the nation’s founding ideals to inspire change and expand the promise of liberty.
The Halls of History: Inside Independence National Historical Park
11:30 a.m. ET, Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook Stage
A National Park Service ranger will discuss the history of Independence National Historical Park, including Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. Visitors will learn how park rangers preserve the building and share the stories of the pivotal events that took place within its walls.
Student Town Hall: Jefferson, Madison, and the Road From Independence to the Constitution and Bill of Rights
11:30 a.m. ET, F.M. Kirby Auditorium and Online
Join professional reenactors portraying Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and James Madison, a leading architect of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, for a conversation exploring the connections among the nation’s three founding documents.
Joined by Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, Jefferson and Madison will help students explore the extraordinary period of nation-building that began 250 years ago, from declaring independence to creating a new constitutional system of government. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
Decoding the Declaration Workshop
Noon ET, John C. Bogle Chairman’s Room
Students will participate in the National Constitution Center’s Decoding the Document program, a hands-on experience designed to build a deeper understanding of primary sources.
Participants will examine the vocabulary, ideals, and perspectives the founders used to declare the colonies’ independence from Britain and articulate a vision of universal rights. Students will also reflect on America’s 250th anniversary and consider what message they would share with Americans living 250 years from now.
Space is limited. Advance registration through the Center’s Group Sales team is required.
The Constitution’s Birthday Celebration With Preamble Reading and Cake Cutting
12:30 p.m. ET, Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook Stage
Visitors are invited to wish the Constitution a happy 239th birthday in front of the First Amendment tablet. Following a lively reading of the Constitution’s Preamble, the celebration will conclude with birthday cake and fanfare.
The Next 250: Youth Voices on the Civic Decade
1 p.m. ET, F.M. Kirby Auditorium and Online
What do young people hope the next chapter of America’s story will look like? Earlier this year, Made By Us brought together young adults from across the country to draft and sign Youth250: Our Declaration, a youth-written declaration describing their hopes, commitments, and vision for the nation’s next 250 years.
Presented in partnership with Made By Us and History Co: Lab, this Constitution Day conversation will feature civically engaged young people reflecting on the nation’s first 250 years, the Youth250 Declaration, and their hopes for the Civic Decade ahead. Julie Silverbrook will moderate.
Rediscovering America’s Forgotten Founders: Architects of the Constitution
6:30–7:30 p.m. ET, F.M. Kirby Auditorium and Online
This Constitution Day, the National Constitution Center will explore the lives and legacies of four influential but often overlooked founders: John Dickinson, Gouverneur Morris, Roger Sherman, and James Wilson. These “forgotten founders” played critical roles in drafting the Constitution, shaping the structure of the new government, and securing the document’s ratification.
Carol Berkin, author of the National Constitution Center’s definitive short biographies of all 56 signers; Jane E. Calvert, author of Penman of the Founding: A Biography of John Dickinson; Scott S. Greenberger, author of The Forsaken Founder: Gouverneur Morris, the Unsung Patriot Who Wrote the Constitution, Stood Up to Slavery, and Survived the Reign of Terror; and Jesse Wegman, author of The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People’s Constitution, will examine how these figures shaped the Constitution and why their ideas continue to resonate today. Julie Silverbrook will moderate.
Additional Museum Programs and Activities
Founding Figures Meet and Greets
10 a.m.–noon, Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall
Historical reenactors portraying Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and James Forten will mingle with visitors, pose for photographs, sign autographs, and discuss their experiences from the American Revolution through the drafting and signing of the Constitution.
Will You Sign?
10 a.m.–5 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall
Visitors can add their names to giant versions of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution or choose not to sign, as some dissenting delegates did.
Constitution Day Activity Stations
10 a.m.–5 p.m., throughout the museum
Visitors can test their knowledge with trivia, hear a story, step inside an authentic voting booth, create arts and crafts projects, examine historic artifacts, enjoy outdoor games, and learn about the history of printing.
Civic Quest Stations
10 a.m.–5 p.m., Richard and Helen DeVos Hall
At immersive activity stations, the Center’s Civic Quest game comes to life as visitors work together to solve hands-on missions. Along the way, they will uncover the people, ideas, and moments that shaped the nation while exploring their own role in the American story.
Share Your Civic Spark
10 a.m.–5 p.m., Richard and Helen DeVos Hall
Visitors can record and share their Civic Spark, a moment or experience that connects them to the ideas shaping their community and country. Their stories will become part of a growing collection featuring people from across the nation.
National Constitution Center Exhibits
10 a.m.–5 p.m., throughout the museum
Visitors can explore the museum’s iconic exhibits, including Signers’ Hall; Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality; The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote; The First Amendment; and the Center’s two newest permanent galleries, America’s Founding and Governing the Nation.
Freedom Rising
Every half-hour from 10:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Sidney Kimmel Theater
Experience the Center’s 360-degree live theatrical production telling the story of the U.S. Constitution and the American quest for freedom.
Visitor Information
Admission is free courtesy of PECO, but advance reservations are strongly encouraged. Group reservations can be made by calling 215-409-6800 or emailing [email protected].
For tickets and additional information, visit constitutioncenter.org/tickets.
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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.
