Back to Calendar
Civic Holidays | In Person

Presidents Day Weekend

Date
Friday, February 13 - Monday, February 16
Time
All Day
presidents-day-event-feature.jpg

Celebrate Presidents Day Weekend at the National Constitution Center by exploring the role of the executive branch through the lives of the presidents. Be the first to explore the Centers’ newest permanent gallery America’s Founding, which takes visitors on a journey from the colonies’ growing tensions with Great Britain through the drafting, ratification, and adoption of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

The National Constitution Center is open, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., all weekend. Admission is free on Presidents Day, Monday, February 16, thanks to the generous support of Citizen Travelers, the nonpartisan civic engagement initiative of Travelers.
 

Programs on Monday, February 16

Meet the Founding Era Presidents
Meet the Founding Era Presidents

11–11:30 a.m. and 12:30–1 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall
You are cordially invited to a special meet-and-greet event, where historical reenactors portraying Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison will mingle with visitors, pose for photo ops, sign autographs, and discuss their lives and presidencies. Meet these Founders who helped shape the country through revolution and through their presidencies.

Kids Town Hall: Meet the Presidents 
Kids Town Hall: Meet the Presidents 

11:45 a.m., Kirby Auditorium
Join in a special Kids Town Hall with some very famous guests—Presidents Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison. Visitors will get the chance to ask the presidents about their lives, their role in the American Revolution, and their time as President of the United States.
Historic figures will be portrayed by professional reenactors.

Presidential Costume Contest 
Presidential Costume Contest 

12:15 p.m., Kirby Auditorium
Children are encouraged to come to the National Constitution Center dressed as a U.S. president or first lady, and those ages 12 and younger are eligible to participate in the Center’s Presidential Costume Contest. The most original costume, as judged by a panel of presidential reenactors, will be awarded a gift certificate to the National Constitution Center Museum Store. Winners will be selected during the noon Kids Town Hall program. 

Voting Booth Activity
Voting Booth Activity

10 a.m.–3 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook
Step inside a real voting booth to learn about the election process and cast your vote for your favorite Founding Figure.

Programs all Weekend

Gallery Spotlight: The First President
Gallery Spotlight: The First President

10:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., America’s Founding
Celebrate this President Day by taking a closer look at the life and career of one of the most famous signers of the Constitution. This 7–10 minute talk will highlight George Washington’s journey from “Father of his Country” in the Revolutionary War to the first President of the United States.

Artifact Spotlight: A Fragment of the Lincoln Flag
Artifact Spotlight: A Fragment of the Lincoln Flag

11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Civil War and Reconstruction Exhibit On the way to his inauguration, Abraham Lincoln stopped by Philadelphia on February 22, 1861, and raised an American flag over Independence Hall. View a fragment of this flag and learn more about the president’s commitment to preserving the Union and fulfilling the promises of the Declaration of Independence.

Artifact Spotlight: Emancipation Proclamation and the 54th Massachusetts Regiment 
Artifact Spotlight: Emancipation Proclamation and the 54th Massachusetts Regiment 

12:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality 
Join us for an inside look at why President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, what it meant for over 4 million Americans then held in bondage, and how it led to the creation of the first Black regiments in the war. This 5-10 minute talk examines a signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation and special artifacts, including a ladder badge worn by a volunteer infantryman in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment.  

Trivial Pursuit
Trivial Pursuit

10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook
How well do you know the presidents? Join the National Constitution Center’s Education team to test your knowledge about the nation’s commanders in chief. What is the most common first name among presidents? Who was the tallest president? Which president holds the record for use of the veto power? Bring your Article II A-game and remember “the buck stops here!”

Trading Stories Craft
Trading Stories Craft

10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall
In February we also celebrate Black History Month! Explore the lives of influential African American figures while creating and collecting your own trading cards! Learn about the incredible lives of Mary Ann Shadd Cary, Hiram R. Revels, Mae Carol Jemison, and more!

Quiet Room and Story Corner 
Quiet Room and Story Corner 

10 a.m.–5 p.m., Freedom Classroom
Enjoy a quiet space to relax, color, or read books about American presidents, including Abe Lincoln: the Boy Who Loved Books by Kay Winters and Nancy Carpenter and John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith

Black History Month and Family Fun Night

Black History Month and Family Fun Night

Celebrate Black History Month all February long with us, including Family Fun Night on February 21!

Learn More