PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 21, 2026) — The National Constitution Center will host a special Civic Story Hour featuring U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch and author Janie Nitze on Saturday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to noon. The program will celebrate the release of their new children’s book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence, which will be published on May 5, 2026.
Justice Gorsuch, honorary co-chair of the National Constitution Center, and Nitze, his co-author and former law clerk, will read selections from the book and participate in a conversation moderated by Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center. Attendees will be able to purchase the book on site and a book signing will follow the program.
Designed for families and learners of all ages, this Civic Story Hour invites audiences to explore the human stories behind the Declaration of Independence. Through storytelling and dialogue, the program will examine how individuals across the colonies grappled with the meaning of liberty, independence, and self-government, and how those founding ideals continue to shape our lives today.
“Storytelling brings families together and opens the door to meaningful conversations about our shared civic life, creating moments of intergenerational learning where children and adults can explore the stories behind our founding in engaging, memorable, and deeply human ways,” said Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center. “We are especially delighted to welcome Justice Gorsuch for this program and to offer families the chance to share in a truly special experience, hearing these stories come to life through his new book and engaging together in a moment that connects past and present.”
As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the Center continues to expand opportunities for family-oriented programming at its home on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, including Sensory-Friendly Days, Family Fun Nights, Scouts Days, Trivia Nights, civic holiday celebrations, and weekend activities. These experiences invite families to explore big civic ideas together, connect across generations, and engage with the history and stories of the Constitution in welcoming and lasting ways. Families visiting during America’s 250th anniversary year will also be able to explore two new permanent galleries opening in 2026: America’s Founding, which opened in February, and a forthcoming gallery, Governing the Nation, opening on May 15.
About the Book
Heroes of 1776 introduces young readers to both well-known figures—including Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere—as well as lesser-known individuals such as Caesar Rodney, Thomas Paine, and Mary Katharine Goddard. Through vivid storytelling and historical detail, the book highlights the risks, choices, and debates that shaped the nation’s founding and invites readers to reflect on the enduring ideals of the Declaration of Independence.
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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.
