PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 17, 2026) — The National Constitution Center today launched accessible touch tours of its renowned Signers' Hall, designed specifically for visitors who are blind or have low vision. Developed in partnership with Philly Touch Tours (PTT), a Philadelphia-based organization that facilitates tactile experiences at cultural institutions for the blind and low-vision community, the tours will offer guided, tactile experiences in a private environment, allowing participants to engage with the nation's constitutional story in a meaningful and fully accessible way.
The inaugural tour is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, for Philly Touch Tours patrons, exclusively, and then will be followed by an ongoing series offered approximately four to six times per year. Tours will take place on Sunday mornings from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m., prior to the museum's regular opening hours, providing a low-distraction setting for small groups of up to 10 participants.
“At the National Constitution Center, we believe the museum experience should invite every visitor to find their place in the story of the Constitution,” said Vince Stango, Interim President and CEO. “These tactile tours reflect our commitment to expanding how people engage with our exhibits, creating opportunities for hands-on, sensory connection with the stories we tell. By opening new, accessible pathways into Signers’ Hall, we aim to ensure that all visitors can explore, question, and connect with the ideas and individuals that continue to shape our constitutional democracy.”
The Signers' Hall touch tours are the result of more than a year of collaboration between the National Constitution Center and PTT. The partnership includes comprehensive staff training, and participant recruitment support through PTT's established community networks.
“Our goal is to create a learning environment where every visitor feels included, valued, and inspired to connect with the foundational principles of our nation,” said Kristina Marinello, Sr. Director of Museum Experience at the National Constitution Center. “We are proud to partner with Philly Touch Tours to make these tours possible at the Center for the blind and low-vision community, and look forward to welcoming visitors into Signer’s Hall through this program for years to come.”
The launch of the Signers' Hall touch tours is the latest in a growing portfolio of accessibility initiatives at the National Constitution Center. The Center's Sensory Friendly Days offer a welcoming, low-stimulation museum environment for visitors with sensory sensitivities and their families, with the next one scheduled for April 29. Its Access Pass program provides free or reduced admission for visitors with disabilities. And through free Civic Holidays, the Center ensures cost is never a barrier to civic participation. Staff across the museum are also trained to facilitate accessible experiences for any group, at any time, upon request.
Trish Maunder, creative director of Philly Touch Tours LLC said, “It’s very exciting that Signer’s Hall will now be open for blind and low vision visitors to experience the exquisite statues by touch while learning about the true history of the signing of the Constitution. Creating this opportunity for this community is a testament to the Constitution Center's commitment to serve everybody.”
As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the Center is deepening its commitment to ensuring every visitor, regardless of ability, can engage with the history, rights, and responsibilities that define American democracy.
After purchasing a museum ticket, visitors can reserve a Signers’ Hall Touch Tour by contacting Kristina Marinello, senior director of museum experience, at 215-409-6678 or [email protected].
Visitors interested in participating in a future Signers' Hall touch tour can learn more here.
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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.
