Artifact Spotlight: March on Washington Pennant
10:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., First Amendment Exhibit
Explore the First Amendment through the lens of one the most influential demonstrations in our nation’s history: The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Listen to the stories of civil rights organizations and activists that used their voice and agency to advocate for justice, domestic tranquility, and the general welfare of millions of disenfranchised Americans. We’ll look at special artifacts, including a March on Washington pennant carried by the participants that day.
Play On Philly Chamber Wind Ensemble Performance
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook
Enjoy two uplifting performances by the Play On Philly Chamber Wind Ensemble and celebrate the power of music, community, and freedom.
Inspired by Independence Show
Noon and 2 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook
For nearly 250 years, Americans have turned to the words of the Declaration of Independence to demand greater freedom and equality. From the Seneca Falls Convention to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, this powerful program explores how generations of Americans have drawn from the nation’s founding ideals to inspire change and expand the promise of liberty.
Mural Arts’ Printmaking by the People
Noon - 3 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall
Create a custom letterpress print inspired by the Association for Public Art’s Let Freedom Ring installation. Using a provisional letterpress, choose from a selection of words and phrases to create your own version of “My Country, ’Tis of Thee,” expressing your ideas about freedom, justice, and the future of America.
This hands-on activity is inspired by Marian Anderson’s historic 1939 performance at the Lincoln Memorial. After the Daughters of the American Revolution barred Anderson from performing at Constitution Hall because of segregation, she changed the lyrics of the beloved song to make a powerful statement about equality and inclusion. At the same location 24 years later during the March on Washington, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. echoed Anderson’s revised lyrics in his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Marian Anderson Historical Society Scholar Singers
12:45 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook
Experience history brought to life with a powerful historical presentation and musical performance by the Marian Anderson Historical Society Scholar Singers. Through dramatic readings of correspondence between Marian Anderson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., audiences will explore the enduring connection between two towering figures of the Civil Rights Movement. The performance also features an original arrangement of “Let Freedom Ring,” alongside the beloved spiritual “Oh Freedom,” which echoed across the National Mall during the 1963 March on Washington.
