September 15, 2015
File Art/for PhillyVoice
National Constitution Center (Independence Mall NPS Indego Station, 519 Market St.)
On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by 39 men -- including Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and George Washington -- at the Pennsylvania State House. To celebrate this day, the National Constitution Center will give all guests free admission on Thursday, September 17, courtesy of the PNC Foundation.
Throughout the day, the Constitution Center will host a variety of themed events. Students will recite the preamble to the Constitution on the museum's front lawn at 8:30 a.m. A Naturalization Ceremony, where 50 immigrants officially become citizens of the United States, takes place at 10:30 a.m. A Kids Town Hall, where students meet Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, will take place at noon. A flag raising ceremony, 18th-century games, crafts, a chance to "sign" a giant version of the Constitution, a lunchtime birthday celebration complete with cake, and more events fill the day.
Thursday also marks the release of NCC's new online Interactive Constitution, a nonpartisan educational tool developed in collaboration with the American Constitution Society and the Federalist Society. NCC has partnered with the College Board to distribute the Interactive Constitution, which hosts explanatory materials for students in grades 8-12, to schools across the country. The tool will explore today's top constitutional debates with the country's leading scholars from across the political spectrum. Museum guests will be some of the first to try it out on iPads in the main lobby for Constitution Day.
