In September 1787, the Founders signed the most influential document in American history, the U.S. Constitution. Every year, the National Constitution Center hosts the best Constitution Day celebration in the country. Commemorate this historic day, while also meeting your federal education requirements!
This Constitution Day, the Center celebrates the opening of our newest gallery, The First Amendment. The gallery offers a fresh perspective on the history of the First Amendment and how it impacts us today. This Constitution Day, we present a series of programs and events highlighting the history and meaning of the amendment.
The Center’s annual Constitution Day celebration takes place on Monday, September 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with FREE admission courtesy of PECO. (Admission to the museum is also FREE on Sunday, September 17, in honor of the 236th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution.)
Individuals can click the link below to reserve your a free ticket; for groups of 15 and above, contact the group sales team at 215-409-6800, or [email protected].
The First Amendment
Opens September 6
Protecting some of our most cherished freedoms—religious liberty, free speech, a free press, the freedom of assembly, and the right to petition—the First Amendment is a pillar of democracy and the American way. The gallery will offer a fresh perspective on the history of the First Amendment and how it impacts us today.
9:30 a.m. ET | F.M. Kirby Auditorium
Every September we celebrate Constitution Day as well as Citizenship Day, during which we honor the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. In recognition, we host an annual Naturalization Ceremony during which 50 immigrants from across the globe 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. National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen will offer remarks and Colin Diver, formerly of Reed College and University of Pennsylvania Law School, will give the keynote address.
Register to Watch Online
11 a.m. ET | F.M. Kirby Auditorium
Judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit join us to discuss how judges approach cases by reviewing the seven different methodologies of constitutional interpretation, using historic cases involving the First Amendment as examples. The judges also explain how the federal courts of appeal work and their role in the federal court system. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.
Register to Watch Online
11:30 a.m. ET | First Amendment Tablet Stage
One of our best tools to facilitate change is through the First Amendment, and while the Constitution may have been written in 1787 by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention, its composition has been impacted by many people and events over the last 236 years. During this special program, meet famous figures who used the First Amendment to ensure “We, the People” includes all the people.
Historic figures will be portrayed by reenactors.
12 p.m. ET | F.M. Kirby Auditorium
Students join a discussion with musician Simon Tam, who, along with his bandmate, was originally denied a trademark for his band’s name. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office determined that the band’s name, The Slants, contained a racial slur. The band appealed the decision to the Supreme Court and won. Tam’s story is highlighted in the Center’s new exhibit, The First Amendment.
Register to Watch OnlineWith Preamble Reading and Cake Cutting
12:45 p.m. ET | First Amendment Tablet Stage
Join us for tasty treats as we wish the Constitution a happy 236th birthday!
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Grand Hall Lobby
Check out our giant version of the U.S. Constitution and sign your name alongside Washington, Franklin, and Madison. You can even tell us what your 28th Amendment would be!
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Grand Hall Lobby and Museum Exhibits
Go on a First Amendment Scavenger Hunt, visit our calligraphy station, enjoy make-and-take craft tables, and more!
1 p.m. ET
Students join a discussion with free-speech advocate Mary Beth Tinker, who, as a 13-year-old in 1969, wore a black armband to school to protest the Vietnam War. A few other students, including her brother, joined her. The students were suspended for their actions; however, they believed their protest was a form of free speech. They took their case at the Supreme Court—and won. Tinker’s story is highlighted in the Center’s new exhibit, The First Amendment.
Register to Watch Online
2 p.m. ET
A group of notable Center scholars including William Allen, Colleen Sheehan, and Jonathan Gienapp join National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen for a discussion of the issues and events in early America that led to the Constitutional Convention. They’ll explore the major debates at the Convention and how those discussions shaped the future of the United States. Panelists will also discuss their careers as writers and historians, as well as answer questions from participants.
Register to Watch Online8:30 a.m. ET
Join us live from iconic spots inside the museum, as we read the Preamble to the Constitution and explore the core principles at the heart of our democracy.
Register to Watch Live3:30 p.m. ET
We’ll wrap up the day with a reading of the First Amendment to the Constitution, once again live from museum, as we explore religious liberty, free speech, a free press, the freedom of assembly, and the right to petition.
Register to Watch LiveThe History of Religious Liberty in America
6:30 p.m. ET | F.M. Kirby Auditorium
How did the America’s founders view religious liberty? And what does it mean today? Join constitutional law experts Marci Hamilton, author of God vs. the Gavel: The Perils of Extreme Religious Liberty, and Michael McConnell, co-author of Agreeing to Disagree: How the Establishment Clause Protects Religious Diversity and Freedom of Conscience, for a special Constitution Day discussion to celebrate the opening of the NCC’s new First Amendment gallery. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. A reception with access to the National Constitution Center's new First Amendment gallery will take place before the program from 5:30–6:15 p.m.
Click here for more information and to register.
This Constitution Day program is made possible through the generous support of Lilly Endowment Inc.
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