Civic Stories
The National Constitution Center’s free Civic Stories program is geared toward elementary and middle school students from across the country the opportunity to engage with the past through artifacts and the stories they tell. In this setting, students develop a deeper understanding of history and consider the ways in which artifacts humanize history through the individuals, communities, and cultures they represent. Through this practice, students begin to identify where they see themselves, their communities, and their surroundings in the broader scope of American history.
Civic Stories are free, 30-minute virtual learning experiences designed for learners in third through eighth grade. Sessions are facilitated by members of the Center’s Education team and are scheduled at times that work for teachers and their students. Whenever possible, classes are scheduled with other grade-level-appropriate groups from across the country to give students opportunities to engage with peers from diverse communities, perspectives, and backgrounds.
What You Need to Know:
- Sessions are free and geared toward elementary and middle school students.
- Sessions are scheduled at times that work for teachers and their students. Whenever possible, classes are scheduled with other grade-level-appropriate student groups from across the country.
- Participating teachers choose a story theme from select constitutional topics that best align with what they are teaching.
- Civic Stories programs are hosted on the Center’s Zoom account. Once your booking is confirmed, we will create and send a Zoom link for accessing the program. If you prefer to use your own streaming platform, please indicate during booking.
- Teachers are welcome to arrange for other classes in their school to join their session
Story Themes
Participating teachers can choose a story theme from select constitutional topics that best align with what they are teaching in their curriculum. The specific artifact tied to each story theme will remain a mystery until the day of the program, adding an element of surprise for students. Through this exploration, students will connect with the past, the Constitution, and the ways these historical themes shape our world today.
Use this form to schedule a session for your class.
Explore the many voices and perspectives that shaped the Revolutionary War, far beyond the battlefield. These stories reveal how different groups fought for freedom, identity, and survival in a nation being born.
What did the Founders mean by “happiness,” and how does it connect to being a good citizen today? In this program, students explore the idea of civic virtue, the qualities and habits that help us contribute to a thriving community and democracy. Through the examination of an artifact related to this theme, students reflect on what it means to build good character, act responsibly, and work together for the common good.
Dive into the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment—speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition—through real stories of Americans using their rights to shape our democracy.
Trace the evolving struggle for civil rights across communities and centuries. These stories highlight courage, resistance, and the ongoing fight for justice and equality under the law.
America’s expansion was driven by ambition, migration, and innovation, but also came with consequences. These stories reveal how growth shaped identity and opportunity, often at great cost.
Voting is fundamental to democracy, but it hasn't always been guaranteed. These stories reveal the long, hard fights for access to the ballot and who gets a say in our government.
