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America at 250 | In Person | Online

Independence Week

Date
Monday, June 29 - Sunday, July 5
Time
All Day
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This summer, celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the National Constitution Center. Dive into the Declaration, walk among the founders, and explore the ideas behind the Revolution that still shape our nation today.

There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Kids and families can experience special performances of Schoolhouse Rock Live!, face painting, meet-and-greets with historical reenactors, colonial-era games, a Revolutionary War encampment, and the Center’s interactive exhibits. Visitors of all ages can also take part in signature summer events, including Wawa Hoagie Day; the Red, White, & Blue To-Do; and the 38th annual Liberty Medal honoring Pope Leo XIV.

 

Independence Week Events

SemiQUIZcentennial Trivia Night
SemiQUIZcentennial Trivia Night

Monday, June 29, 5-8 p.m.
Kick off Independence Week during America’s 250th with a special edition of historically themed Quizzo and patriotic prizes celebrating the people, ideas, and moments that shaped the American story.

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Wawa Hoagie Day
Wawa Hoagie Day

Wednesday, July 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free museum admission courtesy of Wawa
Celebrate one of Philadelphia’s favorite modern summer traditions in the heart of the Historic District: Wawa Hoagie Day! Join thousands of locals and visitors as free hoagies are served at noon on Arch Street between 5th and 6th Streets, followed by a free concert by the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band on Independence Mall.

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Independence Week Town Hall: The American Idea at 250
Independence Week Town Hall: The American Idea at 250

Wednesday, July 1, 6:30 p.m.
Join Semiquincentennial Scholar Jon Meacham, 11th Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan, and Danielle Allen for a wide-ranging conversation moderated by Robert Costa of CBS News. Together, they will explore the shared principles at the heart of the American idea, the enduring promise of the nation’s founding ideals, and how Americans can use this semiquincentennial moment for deeper reflection, dialogue, and civic engagement.

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Red, White, & Blue To-Do
Red, White, & Blue To-Do

Thursday, July 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The National Constitution Center is proud to join our partners across Philadelphia’s Historic District for the third annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do, a joyful celebration welcoming families from across the city, nation, and around the world during this historic semiquincentennial summer. Kick off the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, enjoy free live music on the Center’s front lawn, and explore family-friendly programs, hands-on activities, and special events happening throughout the day at the Center and on Independence Mall.

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Liberty Medal Honoring His Holiness Pope Leo XIV

Liberty Medal Honoring His Holiness Pope Leo XIV

Friday, July 3, 11 a.m.
Museum closed. Ceremony open to the public.
The National Constitution Center will honor His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for his lifelong work promoting religious liberty and freedom of conscience and expression around the world—ideals enshrined by America's founders in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Pope Leo XIV intends to deliver live acceptance remarks virtually from the Vatican, which will be livestreamed to those in attendance and around the world in a special ceremony on the museum’s front lawn.

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Independence Day
Independence Day

Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free museum admission courtesy of Citizen Travelers
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a fun-filled family day at the National Constitution Center featuring face painting, hands-on activities, and special performances of Schoolhouse Rock Live! Admission is free courtesy of Citizen Travelers, the nonpartisan civic engagement initiative of Travelers.

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Revolutionary War Encampment
Revolutionary War Encampment

Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free admission

Join Revolutionary War reenactors 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, meet 18th-century artisans to learn more about their trades, and see Continental Army soldiers march and drill on the grounds. You can even practice with a wooden musket and find out if a soldiers’ 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.