Philadelphia, PA (May 1, 2023) – The National Constitution Center today announced its partnership with Travelers to offer free admission and special programming to museum attendees during Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29, as well as on July 2, in an effort to further advance civic engagement and civic dialogue among its visitors.
"We’re thrilled that Travelers will be partnering with us this summer to help bring to life for citizens across the country the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution,” said Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center. “Travelers’ generous support allows us to mark these civic holidays by inspiring visitors to celebrate and learn about the U.S. Constitution at the NCC and in their own communities.”
The National Constitution Center’s partnership with Travelers is made possible through Citizen Travelers, the company’s nonpartisan civic engagement initiative. Travelers employees will also be on-site both weekends to engage with visitors and support the Center’s programming.
“Through Citizen Travelers, we are sharing the Travelers value of civic engagement with our employees, partners and communities,” said Janice Brunner, Group General Counsel and Head of Civic Engagement. “Civic education is foundational to both informed participation in the public square and a vibrant private sector. We are pleased to partner with the National Constitution Center to support programming about our shared history and the rights and freedoms we enjoy as Americans.”
On May 27-29, the National Constitution Center will honor the nation’s fallen service members by highlighting the history of Memorial Day, taking a closer look at famous memorials and monuments, and uncovering the complexities of how a nation remembers. In addition to access to all the Center’s exhibits and artifacts, programming includes flag ceremonies, discussions on U.S. memorials through history and across the country, and family-friendly workshops and lectures, as well as crafts for learners of all ages. For more information and a full list of programming, click HERE.
On July 2, as we celebrate Independence Day, visitors can participate in a live Revolutionary War encampment on the Center’s front lawn, 1776-era games and activities for the whole family, and historical discussions to dive deeper into the American Revolution and life in colonial times. For more information and a full list of programming, click HERE.
In addition to sponsoring these civic holidays, Travelers’ collaboration with the Center also includes supporting its 2023 America’s Town Hall programs, which model reasoned, thoughtful debate by bringing together constitutional experts and thought leaders with diverse perspectives for conversations on timely constitutional topics.
Memorial Day Weekend Activities
A full list of Memorial Day weekend activities is available HERE.
How America Remembers
Join in a lively conversation and explore some of the most recognizable memorials and monuments in the United States, from the Lincoln Memorial and Little Bighorn to the U.S.S. Arizona and the Vietnam War Memorial. Learn about the history of memorials, how memorials and monuments remember and honor the past, and why these memorials are important.
History of Memorial Day
This program explores the history of Memorial Day observances in the United States. Discover the holiday’s origins in the Reconstruction era—when it was known as “Decoration Day”—its expansion following World War I and II, and how it became an official holiday in the 1970s. The program will also highlight how communities across the country observe Memorial Day.
Scholar Talks
Throughout the weekend we will be joined by historians and professors who will offer deeper insights into how and why memorials and Memorial Day are so significant to the American story.
History of the American Flag Show
How much do you know about the stars and stripes? Discover the history of the American flag during our interactive flag show. Together we’ll uncover the flag’s symbolism and learn how to properly raise, display, and fold the flag during a flag-raising ceremony.
Make a Memorial
Can you think of a figure or event from history that needs to be remembered? Visit our creation station to design your own memorial for historic figures and historic events.
Poppy Wreaths
Visitors will have the opportunity to create and customize their own Memorial Day wreath featuring paper poppies, a symbol of remembrance inspired by the 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields.”
July 2 Activities
A full list of July 2 activities can be found HERE.
Finding the Founders
The National Constitution Center is partnering with neighboring sites throughout Historic Philadelphia for our Finding the Founders scholarly series. These programs explore the ideas of equality and freedom through the lens of the American Revolution, and provide an expanded understanding of Independence Day—one that sees the holiday as both a celebration and an acknowledgment of America’s ongoing struggle to achieve the ideals expressed in the nation’s founding documents.
Scholar Talks
Join fascinating conversations with historians, professors, and legal experts who will share stories of people who have worked throughout history to expand human rights and make our nation, and the vision of the Declaration of Independence, more inclusive—highlighting abolitionists, suffragists, and civil rights leaders.
Revolutionary War Encampment
Join Revolutionary War re-enactors as you step into a re-created military encampment right on the National Constitution Center’s front lawn. Stop by the medical tent to visit the surgeon, watch the blacksmith forge steel, and see Continental Army soldiers march and drill on the grounds. You can even practice being a soldier with a wooden musket and find out if a soldier’s life is for you! The National Constitution Center is pleased to once again partner with the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment to present our Annual Revolutionary War Encampment.
History of Independence Day Show
From parades to protests, cannons to flag waving, explosive words to fiery demonstrations, this show takes an in-depth look at this exciting celebration of freedom from the early days of American independence to the present day.
Family Fun Activities
Play graces, hoop and stick, ninepin, and other games popular during the Revolutionary era on our front lawn and stop by our make-and-take craft stations.
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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.
