‘We The People on September 17, 1787′
On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by thirty-nine brave men who changed the course of history. Now Constitution Day is a time for us to continue their legacy and develop habits of citizenship in a new generation of Americans.
The National Constitution Center is honoring Constitution Day with free admission on September 16 courtesy of PNC Bank.
The educational fun will begin at 8:30 a.m. on the Front Lawn with a rousing reading of the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution led by National Constitution Center president and CEO Jeffrey Rosen. Visitors will then be among the first to test out the Center’s new online Interactive Constitution before launching into a full day of games, shows, and activities. This year’s celebration will focus on the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment, which formally abolished slavery in the United States and launched the beginning of the Reconstruction Era—a turning point in Constitutional History.
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Timeline of Constitution Day Events
- Preamble Challenge | 8:30 am | Front Lawn
- Flag Raising Ceremony | 9:00 am | Front Lawn
Visitors can join the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution for a patriotic flag raising ceremony.
- Press Conference: Introducing the Interactive Constitution | 10:00 am | Bogle Chairman’s Room
The National Constitution Center will announce new resources and initiative, as well as the winners of our Civic Literacy Contest.
- Eighteenth Century Games | 9:30 am – 3:30 pm | Front Lawn and Grand Hall Lobby and Overlook
Visitors try their hands at graces, hoop and stick, nine pin and other popular Revolutionary Era games.
- Constitution Day Arts & Crafts | 9:30 am – 3:30 pm | Grand Hall Lobby and Overlook
Guests can check out our giant version of the U.S. Constitution and sign your names alongside Washington, Franklin, and Madison. Plus, take part in arts and crafts projects, and join in calligraphy demonstrations!
- Judge Chats: A Closer Look at the Courts | 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am, 11:30 am, 12 pm & 12:30 pm | Bank of America Family Theater and Private Dining Room
Students and teachers can attend one of these great sessions with real judges, where they will have the opportunity to speak with experts on the interpretation of law and about how the Constitution can affect everyday life.
*Advanced reservations are required for this program. 215-409-6800
- Separation of Powers show | 10:00 am, 11:30 am, & 1:30 pm | Grand Hall Overlook Stage
This educational tug-of-war game between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches teaches visitors about the system of checks and balances inherent in the U.S. Constitution.
- Bill of Rights Show | 10:15 am, 11:45 am, & 1:15 pm | Richard and Helen DeVos Exhibit Hall; Domestic Tranquility
Who wants to be a “Bill”-ionaire? In the museum’s fast-paced game show, visitors face off in a fun competition testing their Bill of Rights knowledge while an engaging host reveals the real deal about our amendments and freedoms.
- Flag Etiquette Workshop & Giant Flag Folding Challenge | 10:15 am, 12:15 am, & 2:15 pm | Front Lawn
Our knowledgeable education staff will lead workshops showcasing the fascinating history of our American flag, and give visitors tips on how to follow proper flag etiquette. The visitors will use their new skills to help fold our 20’X30’ flag!
- Pass the Citizenship Test Show | 10:30 am, 12:30 am, & 2:00 p.m | Grand Hall Overlook Stage
Visitors learn about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and gain insight into our country and our freedoms.
- Naturalization Ceremony | 10:30 am – 11:30 am | F.M. Kirby Auditorium
Fifty immigrants from across the globe will take the Oath of Allegiance to officially become citizens of the United States. The ceremony will be presided over by a United States Federal Judge. All of the new citizens will be given lifetime memberships to the National Constitution Center.
*Seating for this event is limited. Preference will be given to the familes of our new citizens
- The Constitution’s Birthday Celebration | 12:00 pm | Grand Hall Overlook Stage
During the lunch hour, the museum offers cake (shaped and designed to look like the Constitution) and invites visitors to sing along to Happy Birthday and other favorite tunes to celebrate the anniversary of the Constitution’s signing. This celebration is complete with confetti and appearances by Father of the Constitution James Madison.
- Constitution Day Concert | 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm | Front Lawn
Enjoy a picnic lunch on Independence Mall as you listen (or even sing along) to some of American’s favorite patriotic tunes! Featuring the Blue Skies Band.
- Kids Town Hall with Kenneth Davis | 1:00 pm | F.M. Kirby Auditorium
Historian Kenneth Davis, author of the popular Don’t Know Much About series, and regular guest on WXPN’s Kids Corner, will be at the museum this Constitution Day to discuss his new book, In the Shadow of Liberty: The Hidden History of Slavery, Four Presidents, and Five Black Lives.
*Advanced reservations are suggested for this program. 215-409-6800
Location
National Constitution Center
525 Arch St. in Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Date
Thursday, September 16, 2016
Time
8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Cost
FREE admission courtesy of PNC Bank
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