Constitution Day Celebration with Free Admission

Constitution Day Naturalization Ceremony

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.

Judges on Judging Program

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. 

Kids Town Hall: Famous Figures - First Amendment Edition

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.

Student Town Hall with Simon Tam

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. 

The Constitution’s Birthday Celebration

With 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!

Sign the Giant Constitution

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! 

Craft and Activity Stations

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!

Virtual Student Town Hall with Mary Beth Tinker

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.

Virtual Scholar Exchange: The Constitutional Convention

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.

Kick-off the day with a Preamble Reading

8:30 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.

End the day with a First Amendment Reading

3:30 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.