Free Admission In July 2019 At National Museum Of American Jewish History In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA—The National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) is pleased to announce free admission for all visitors throughout the month of July, thanks to the support of Parkway Corporation.

Free admission includes complimentary access to the Museum’s Core Exhibition highlighting more than 360 years of life in America, told through a Jewish lens, plus complimentary access to the current special exhibition, Sara Berman’s Closet.

In addition to regular Museum hours, NMAJH will now be open Mondays from 10am–5pm starting on July 8, and open late on Thursdays, from 10am-7pm, starting July 11.

“This year the Museum will be free for the entire month of July! Come and share the gratitude we have for our freedoms and the opportunities they provide all of us. Celebrate your ‘Only in America’ story by learning about our ‘Only in America’ story,” says NMAJH Board Chair, Phil Darivoff.

Parkway Corporation’s Chairman and NMAJH Trustee, Joe Zuritsky says, “Tourists and local residents come to Independence Mall, especially in July, to explore America’s founding through our nation’s most treasured buildings and artifacts. The National Museum of American Jewish History helps bring that history to life through the specific but universal stories of how an immigrant community and religious minority shaped, and was shaped, by this country.”

Parkway Corporation’s support is making free admission in July possible.

The Museum is thrilled to feature extraordinary original documents and images from defining moments in American history that speak to the ideal of freedom:

 George Washington’s handwritten 1789 proclamation establishing November 26 as a national day of thanksgiving. Washington celebrated the “tranquility, union, and plenty” that had accompanied Constitution’s ratification, highlighting “the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed.”

These words foreshadow Washington’s historic 1790 letter to the Jewish community of Newport in which he bravely proclaimed that the nation’s new government would give “to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance,” and quoted the prophet Micah to assure “the Children of the Stock of Abraham” all Americans “shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid.”

 And they are recalled in a signed copy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms Speech, his 1941 State of the Union Address – on view at NMAJH for the first time – in which he declared that all people had a right to the freedom of speech, the freedom of worship, the freedom from want, and the freedom from fear.

 Roosevelt’s speech will be accompanied by original printings of the four iconic Norman Rockwell posters depicting each of the four freedoms, later reproduced in the Saturday Evening Post. According to a 1945 New Yorker article, these images were “received by the public with more enthusiasm, perhaps, than any other paintings in the history of American art.”

FDR’s speech and Rockwell’s posters will be displayed on the Museum’s first floor along with a visitor-centered interactive asking visitors to suggest what they believe should be a fifth freedom. “These documents and images vividly illustrate our nation’s essential values,” states Dr. Josh Perelman, Chief Curator and Director of Exhibitions and Interpretation, “and remind us about our roles as ensuring they are extended to all, now and in the future.”

On July 4, in conjunction with Wawa Welcome America, visitors are invited to celebrate Independence Day here at NMAJH. Visitors can watch Philadelphia’s 4^thof July parade from the Museum’s fifth floor terrace with sweeping views of Independence Mall, and enjoy interactive gallery talks, story time, arts and crafts projects, and meet celebrated artists Maira Kalman and Alex Kalman, who created the Museum’s buoyant current special exhibition, Sara Berman’s Closet, about Sara’s journey from Belarus to Tel Aviv to New York and making a life of meaning.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Free Admission throughout July
Admission is free for all visitors during the month of July, and includes complimentary access to the Museum’s core exhibition highlighting more than 360 years of life in America told through a Jewish lens and complimentary access to current exhibition, Sara Berman’s Closet. Advanced tickets are not required but recommended. To reserve, nmajh.org/letfreedomring.

Visitor Guides are available in five languages at the Museum and online. A new guide for July will be available in three languages.

Throughout the Summer
“Sara Berman was wild about Fred Astaire and watched all his movies.” Enjoy drop-in screenings of Sara Berman’s favorite Fred Astaire and Danny Kaye films. For dates, nmajh.org/sbc.

For more information, visit nmajh.org.

With Approximately Only 4,000 Tigers Left In The Wild, These Five Locations Are The Best Places On The Planet To See Them

[Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash]

From Siberia’s vast Durmenskoye Reserve to the mangroves of the Sundabarns in Bangladesh, these diverse locations are the best places to witness these rapidly dying out wild cats in their natural habitat

Over the last century, the number of tigers across the world has decreased significantly from around 100,000, to approximately 3,900. The drop in population has been driven by the use of tiger extracts in traditional medicine, folk remedies, jewellery. Their furs are also used in high-end fashion and luxury decor.

As a result, only six from nine sub-groups of tiger survive today, and they are also listed amongst the million species that face the risk of becoming completely extinct during the coming years.

Yet despite the real risk of extinction, there are still a handful of places left on the planet - anywhere from Siberia to Nepal -  where tigers can be witnessed in their natural environment.

Smart Lemur, a website dedicated to authentic travel experiences, has discovered the best locations in the world to sight Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, and Siberian tigers in the place they should be.

Bandhavgarh National Park - Madhya Pradesh, India

Located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the Bandhavgarh National Park is mostly recognized for its population of Royal Bengal tigers. In addition to this rapidly dying out breed, the park is home to other rare creatures, including rare albino tigers, leopards, deer, elephants, and Bengal foxes. Due to the rapid drop in the global tiger population, the park brought in special conservation measures in 1968 to preserve them.

Bardia National Park - Nepal

Over the last decade, Nepal's Bengal tiger population has doubled thanks to the country's conservation efforts.  The Bardia National Park is home to around 80 Bengal tigers, as well as another 50 different species of mammals including rhinoceros, wild elephants, swamp deer, and dolphins. Subsequently, the area is a haven for any wildlife enthusiast.

The Sundarbans - Bangladesh

Found in the delta of the river Ganges, the unique geography of the Sundarbarns area of Bangladesh has managed to resist globalization and remain an area of outstanding natural beauty and vibrant wildlife. Home to almost 200 wild tigers, the Sundarbarns is mostly used for agricultural purposes, and its vast mangroves give the local tigers the opportunity to breed and thrive in their natural habitat. The area is also home to other endangered Southeast Asian wildcats including leopards and fishing cats.

Durminskoye Reserve - Russia

The Durminskoye Reserve in Russia's Far East is home to the most endangered species of tiger in the world - the Siberian tiger. Hunted to the verge of extinction by colonial powers in the 1940s, the Siberian tiger was saved when the Soviet Union became the first country to grant tigers full state protection. The 20,000-hectare area is home to 500 of these rare species, but the area’s sheer size means sighting one is less likely than in India or Nepal. However, the extreme Siberian temperatures in summer and winter, as well as its remoteness make this area appealing to the more alternative explorer.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve - Maharashtra

The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is located in the Chandrapur district of India's Maharashtra state, and is the region's oldest and biggest national park. In addition to its local tiger population, the park gives visitors the opportunity a great opportunity to witness a wild tiger thanks to its safari tours. In addition to the tigers, nature aficionados may also bear witness to crocodiles, sambar, langur monkeys and many different species of exotic birds.

For further information on other unique travel experiences such as off-roading trails and other top travel tips, visit www.smartlemur.com.

A Summertime 2019 Guide To Westchester County, New York

   

Armour-Stiner Octagon House

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. –  – Whether they’re drawn to an outdoor festival, jazz at sunset, kayaking along the Hudson or scenic outdoor dining, travelers will find ample reasons to visit New York’s Westchester County this summer. And, with its idyllic location, set between the enchanting Hudson River and serene Long Island Sound, the County is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Just 30 miles north of New York City and easily accessible by rail via Metro-North, travelers will be pleasantly surprised by the outdoor appeals of Westchester.

SUMMERTIME CELEBRATIONS:

·        For a Pops, Patriots and Fireworks celebration this Independence Day, travelers should head to Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah. 

·        Families can enjoy a free concert series – Summer Nights on the Sound – at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck. It kicks off on July 4 and continues through Aug. 3.

·        Hudson River Museum will host free performances in its Amphitheater on Fridays and Saturdays from July 5 through Aug. 31. Acts include contemporary dance performances, immersive theatrical presentations of Shakespeare’s finest work, jazz, R&B concerts and tango nights.

·        Sunset Jazz Concerts begin at Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown on July 11. Relax on the great lawn and enjoy cool music by top jazz artists. The concerts continue through Aug. 29.

·        Join Latin Grammy-award-winning Pedro Giraudo and his Tango Orchestra of musicians, singers, and dancers for Tango Night at Hudson River Museum in Yonkers on July 13.

·        Also, on July 13, the 15th Annual Pleasantville Music Festival takes place at Parkway Field. In addition to headliners, breakout stars and local artists, there will be a beer and wine garden, fun activities for kids and a zero-waste program to keep the Earth happy, too.

·        Caramoor's Jazz Festival is a highly anticipated highlight of Westchester’s summer events schedule. On July 20, jazz is performed by phenomenal talent, including ten-time Grammy Award Winner Eddie Palmieri, amid the lush gardens Katonah’s marquee center for music and art.  

·        Empire City Casino in Yonkers will host special events throughout the summer months including comedy nights, huge prize giveaways and a showcase by Grammy award-winning Kool & The Gang, who will bring funk to the casino on Aug. 16.

·        The 53rd Annual Moon Viewing Concert takes place at Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden in North Salem on Aug. 10. The Japanese Stroll Garden, lit by paper lanterns, is a magical setting for this ancient custom, which brings together people and traditions of the East and the West.

·        On Sept. 7, to commemorate the 240th anniversary of Burning of Bedford, the Bedford Historical Society will host a celebratory tribute on the Village Green with re-enactors, musket drills, encampment, colonial games, and more, including a grand finale bonfire on the Green.

·        One of the most prestigious and iconic equestrian sporting events in the world of international show jumping, the American Gold Cup returns to North Salem from Sept. 11 to 15. Elite equestrian athletes, horse owners, young hopefuls and enthusiastic fans will gather to enjoy the extraordinary show jumping event.

·        Jazz Fest White Plains is a celebration of jazz for music lovers of all ages. The event, which takes place from Sept. 11 to 15, has become a signature County showcase featuring both free and affordable ticketed performances.

·        As summer comes to a close, the County has a number of great events to usher in the fall, including the Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst from Sept. 13 to 15 in Tarrytown. Travelers can enjoy shopping for handmade clothing, jewelry, ceramics and art, as well as local gourmet food and drinks with plenty of fun for the little ones as well.

·        More than just a festival, Yonkers Riverfest is a celebration of community. This free event draws more than 15,000 people to Yonkers Downtown each year and will return this summer on Sept. 14.

EXPLORE WESTCHESTER THIS SUMMER

·        Take a trip to the famed Playland, in Rye, for endless family fun. Renowned for its historic rides, gorgeous beachside setting and Art Deco architecture, the park offers ample thrill rides as well as calmer, family-friendly options. Its evening fireworks display on July 4-5, July 12 and Aug. 30 are a wonderous sight, and the park hosts a Laser Light Show every Tuesday – Sunday during the season. For the first time in over a decade, visitors will be among the first to experience the park’s newest ride, which officially opens in July. The new attraction will be named by the people of Westchester County.

·        Visit the unique Armour-Stiner House in Irvington, which, for the first time in its history, is open for guided tours. The house is open Fridays through Mondays and advanced reservation is required.  

·        Be one with nature in Scarsdale at Greenburgh Nature Center, which offers an extensive platform of nature and environmental education for the benefit and enjoyment of their visitors. The center has a jam-packed schedule of family-friendly events taking place throughout the summer months including a live butterfly exhibit and a family overnight campout.

·        Hit Westchester County’s beaches, skipping the typical traffic and crowds of nearby shoreline areas. On Long Island Sound, options include Rye Town Park & Beach, and Playland Beach, both of which offer water access from Rye. On the Hudson River, Croton Point Park Beach in Croton-on-Hudson is popular for its scenic views and spacious beach, as well as its water activities including kayaking, boating and stand-up paddle boarding. Adventure seekers can explore the 508-acre Croton Point Park to discover a host of enjoyable activities that summer brings to Westchester County.

·        Bike, skate, scooter, walk, or jog on this 13.1-mile traffic-free road from White Plains to Yonkers when the Bronx River Parkway closes to cars on Sunday mornings in September. Bicycle Sundays are a beloved Westchester County tradition since 1974.

·        Explore the well-shaded climbs of Westchester, which feature some of the best hiking trails in the state. For example, Mianus River Gorge Preserve in Bedford is a trail that looms 40 feet above the Mianus River. Despite the exhilarating view, the hike is easy and perfect for the whole family. And at Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt, an easy two-mile hike includes gorgeous vistas of the New Croton Dam.

·        Catch a birds-eye view of Westchester’s sunny skies with a Balloons Over Westchester hot air balloon ride.

SUMMERTIME STAYS & ALFRESCO DINING

With firepits for s’mores, a heated pool and a golf course, Doral Arrowwood in Rye Brook presents an abundance of fun options for families. And, this summer, the hotel is offering 15% off rooms, golf and dining. The award winning Castle Hotel & Spa, overlooking the Hudson River, is celebrating the summer with “Poolside Pairings” on Thursdays through Sept. 5. For the travelers who love to shop, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Peekskill, just a stroll away from Charles Point Park and the Hudson River, is offering a “Shop & Drop” package to guests this summer. And, coming in September, SpringHill Suites by Marriott will open its door in the peaceful village of Tuckahoe.

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company in Elmsford unveiled its new beer hall just in time for a visit by ale-loving summertime travelers. For outdoor dining and stunning views of the Hudson River, travelers will enjoy River Market Bar and Kitchen in Tarrytown, Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry, and French-American bistro, Red Hat on the River in Irvington. Both Dolphin Restaurant and sister restaurant Café Hudson in the heart of the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront development, offer beautiful views of the river. And, for another charming sunset viewing point, travelers should consider a visit to The Boathouse in Ossining.

About Westchester County Tourism & Film

Westchester County Tourism & Film is Westchester County’s official destination marketing organization. Its mission is to generate economic benefits by enhancing the image and promoting Westchester County as a premier business and leisure destination in the Hudson Valley region. Flanked by Long Island Sound and the Hudson River, Westchester is made up of big cities, small towns, villages, farms, and miles of natural beauty. The county is easily accessible by major interstate highways and parkways, its own regional airport, Amtrak and three commuter rail lines and is home to more than 40 hotels and conference centers. For information about visiting Westchester, visit www.visitwestchesterny.com, connect on Facebook (@westchestercountytourism), Instagram (@westchestercountytourismny) and Twitter (@westchestertour), or call 1-800-833-9282.

National Constitution Center In Philadelphia - Events July To September 2019

Admission to the museum is FREE on July 2, courtesy of Wawa Hoagie Day; $5 after 5 p.m. on July 3; and FREE on Constitution Day, September 17, made possible in part by PECO

Philadelphia, PA  – This summer, the National Constitution Center invites visitors to enjoy Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality—America’s first exhibit devoted to exploring how constitutional clashes over slavery set the stage for the Civil War, and how the nation transformed the Constitution after the war to more fully embrace the Declaration of Independence’s promise of freedom and equality. The Center will offer special programming and onsite educational programs—including theatrical performances, artifact workshops, and interactive shows—to engage visitors of all ages with this pivotal era in constitutional history.

The National Constitution Center will kick off its summer programming with the annual All-American Celebration, featuring Wawa Hoagie Day on Tuesday, July 2. Admission to the museum is free on July 2, courtesy of Wawa, and includes access to the Center’s new theatrical performance FOURTEEN, main and feature exhibits, including the new Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality gallery and Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped a Nation, as well as a display featuring Wawa’s history in the Philadelphia region and the history of the famous hoagie sandwich. In addition to Wawa Hoagie Day, the National Constitution Center will participate in events around the historic district all week long, including Philadelphia’s Historic District Block Party and Go 4th & Learn, as part of the Wawa Welcome America festival.

Also taking place at the National Constitution Center this summer in July, teachers from around the country and constitutional scholars from across the philosophical spectrum will participate in weeklong teacher institutes. Through demonstration, discussion, and historic site visitation, educators work with content experts to deepen their knowledge of the history and modern understandings of the First Amendment and separation of powers. Participants discover and develop innovative, nonpartisan ways to make the content relevant to their students. Dates and topics for Summer Teacher Institutes can be found below.

On Constitution Day, September 17, 2019, the National Constitution Center will launch two important educational initiatives, the Interactive Constitution: Classroom Edition and the Constitutional Ambassadors program. The new Interactive Constitution: Classroom Edition, a cutting-edge, multimedia digital platform, will provide trusted, nonpartisan constitutional resources for middle and high school students and educators. The Constitutional Ambassadors program will welcome tens of thousands of Philadelphia-area students to the National Constitution Center for a new and immersive experience in constitutional education.

PLEASE NOTE:

-          All-American Celebration, Tuesday, July 2, and Wednesday, July 3 – Extended museum hours, 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

July Events

Civil War and Reconstruction Onsite Educational Programming

Regular museum hours

Free with general admission

In conjunction with the opening of the new permanent exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality, and the ongoing commemorations of the 150th anniversaries of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction period, the National Constitution Center will offer various onsite educational programs to engage visitors of all ages with this pivotal era in constitutional history. The onsite experience will introduce visitors to central topics, including slavery in the Constitution, the Civil War and the role of the federal government, citizenship, the goals of Reconstruction and its successes and failures, key figures of the era, and the legacy of Reconstruction today. A full list of special programs and schedules can be found here.

FOURTEEN: A Theatrical Performance

Tuesdays through Saturdays, through August 10; please check the daily program guide upon arrival for that day’s show times.

Free with general admission, group reservations recommended

This summer, visitors can experience FOURTEEN, a moving theatrical performance that sheds light on the Reconstruction era and the ratification of the 14th Amendment. Through dramatic interpretation of original texts, such as Frederick Douglass’s open letter “To My Old Master,” the 30-minute performance will bring to life the leaders, influential figures, and everyday Americans who were central to the era. This production has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper: The Great Problem to be Solved

Saturday, June 29, Tuesday, July 2, and on Thursdays and Saturdays July 6 – August 17; Performances will run two times an hour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Free with general admission

As visitors explore Civil War and Reconstruction, they will encounter a one-actor performance in the 14th Amendment section of the exhibit highlighting Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, a key African-American figure from the Reconstruction era. Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, a staunch abolitionist, suffragist, poet, teacher, writer, and public speaker, speaks out in this 1875 address to the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, outlining the work yet to be done in the cause for African-American freedom. This production has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

All-American Celebration

Extended museum hours, 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 2, and Wednesday, July 3

Regular museum hours, Saturday, June 29 – Monday, July 1, and Thursday, July 4

Free with general admission

The National Constitution Center will offer an array of patriotic festivities over Independence Week, Saturday, June 29, through Thursday, July 4, in celebration of freedom and America’s independence. Visitors can participate in a variety of family-friendly programs and activities, including flag etiquette and flag folding workshops, arts and craft activities, and interactive shows. Admission to the museum is free on July 2, courtesy of Wawa.

Free Admission Courtesy of Wawa Hoagie Day

Tuesday, July 2, 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Free admission courtesy of Wawa

The National Constitution Center and Wawa celebrate the 27th annual Wawa Hoagie Day honoring America’s troops. Attendees will enjoy a nine-ton hoagie salute of free Wawa hoagies served at noon to the crowd on Independence Mall, a performance by the U.S. Army Field Band, and a hoagie building competition between military teams, police, and firefighters.

Finding the Founders Scholarly Talks and Walking Tours
Tuesday, July 2, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Free

The National Constitution Center is partnering with neighboring sites throughout Historic Philadelphia for the annual Finding the Founders event. Scholars will share their insights on equality and freedom through the lens of the American Revolution. The program will provide an expanded understanding of Independence Day—one that sees the holiday as both a celebration and an acknowledgment of America’s ongoing struggle to achieve the ideals expressed in the nation’s founding documents.

Revolutionary War Encampment

Tuesday, July 2 – Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Front and Side Lawns and Grand Hall Lobby 
Free admission courtesy of Wawa on July 2

Free with general admission July 3 and July 4

At the recreated military encampment at the National Constitution Center, visitors can step back in time to watch a blacksmith forge iron, practice being a Revolutionary-era soldier with a wooden musket, stop by the medical tent to visit the surgeon, and observe Continental Army soldiers march and drill on the grounds. Presented in partnership with the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment.

Independence Week Concert Wednesday, July 3, 2 p.m.

Free, museum access not included

Visitors can enjoy a festive, free, outdoor concert performed by the USAF Heritage of America Concert Band. The Concert Band is comprised of over 40 professional Airman-musicians who captivate audiences on regular tours throughout the East Coast with a variety of renditions of great orchestral classics, marches, Broadway hits, jazz standards, movie music, and patriotic favorites. Presented in partnership with the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band.

$5 After 5 p.m. Trivia NightWednesday, July 3, 5 – 8 p.m.

Discounted $5 admission after 5 p.m.
After 5 p.m., visitors can participate in an evening of trivia, based on iCivic’s popular online, educational games, like “Do I Have a Right?” Admission to the museum is $5 after 5 p.m. Presented in Partnership with iCivics.

2019 Summer Institutes: Separation of Powers

Sunday, July 7 – Friday, July 12, and Sunday, July 14 – Friday, July 19

For registered attendees only

Teachers from across the country and constitutional scholars from across the philosophical spectrum participate in a weeklong teacher institute at the National Constitution Center in Historic Philadelphia. During the institutes, educators work with content experts to deepen their knowledge of the history and modern understandings of the separation of powers through interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. 

Civil War Summer at the National Constitution Center
Monday, July 8 – Saturday, August 17, 2019

Free with general admission

This summer, in conjunction with the National Constitution Center’s new Civil War and Reconstruction exhibit the Center’s Main Lobby will be transformed into a Union Army encampment. Visitors will be able to try on replica Civil War soldier uniforms and examine the kinds of supplies soldiers would have had at war camps. Every Thursday and Saturday, special activities will include Meet and Greets with historic figures like Henry “Box” Brown, as well as Union soldiers and battlefield nurses. Visitors can also attend Town Hall programs with President Abraham Lincoln, enjoy a theatrical performance highlighting Frances E.W. Harper, and participate in interactive Military Muster activities.

2019 Annual Supreme Court Review

12 – 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 9
This program is now sold out. Simulcast tickets are available, including for CLE credit.

Former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, legal scholars Erwin Chemerinsky and Frederick Lawrence, and Slate’s Dahlia Lithwick, examine the Supreme Court’s 2018-2019 term, which includes significant cases regarding religious displays, the death penalty, partisan gerrymandering, the census, and more. Melissa Garlick, civil rights national counsel for the Anti-Defamation League, moderates. CLE credit available. Presented in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League.

Members-Only Guided Exhibit Tour

Tuesday, July 16, at 10 a.m.

Free for Members

Members can experience a guided tour of Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality. A museum educator will guide Members through the exhibit featuring key figures central to the era—from Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass to John Bingham and Harriet Tubman—and discuss how the equality promised in the Declaration of Independence was finally inscribed in the Constitution by the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, collectively known as the Reconstruction Amendments.

The First Amendment in 21st Century America

Sunday, July 21 – Saturday, July 27

For registered attendees only

K-12 teachers from across the country join the National Constitution Center, The Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement, and the National Endowment for the Humanities for this one-week intensive institute focusing on the First Amendment and the delicate balance between the rights of individuals and the need to govern society and keep it safe. During the institutes, educators will deepen their understanding of the purpose of the First Amendment, the freedoms protected by it, and the history of its meaning and interpretation.

2019 Summer Institutes: First Amendment

Sunday, July 28 – Friday, August 2

For registered attendees only

Teachers from across the country and constitutional scholars from across the philosophical spectrum participate in a weeklong teacher institute at the National Constitution Center in Historic Philadelphia. During the institutes, educators work with content experts to deepen their knowledge of the history and modern understandings of the First Amendment through interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. 

August Events

Sensory-Friendly Sunday

Regular museum hours, Sunday, August 25

Free with general admission

Sensory-Friendly Sundays at the National Constitution Center incorporate a variety of programs and learning techniques developed for visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorders, intellectual disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities into the everyday visitor experience.

September Events

Constitution Day with FREE Admission

Tuesday, September 17, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Admission will be free on Constitution Day made possible in part by PECO

In honor of Constitution Day, on September 17, 2019, the National Constitution Center will launch two important educational initiatives, the Interactive Constitution: Classroom Edition and the Constitutional Ambassadors program. The new Interactive Constitution: Classroom Edition, a cutting-edge, multimedia digital platform, will provide trusted, nonpartisan constitutional resources for middle and high school students and educators. The Constitutional Ambassadors program will welcome tens of thousands of Philadelphia-area students to the National Constitution Center for a new and immersive experience in constitutional education. The Center will also honor the 232nd anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution with a daylong celebration of the freedoms afforded to us by the Constitution—from fun, educational activities, to timely constitutional conversations with federal judges, to an inspiring naturalization ceremony. Stay tuned: This summer, the National Constitution Center will announce an exciting lineup of Constitution Day speakers and panel topics.   

Admission is free on Constitution Day, Tuesday, September 17, and teachers can reserve their field trip by contacting a Group Sales Representative at 215-409-6800. Reservations recommended as programs fill quickly.

America’s Town Hall Fall Programs

The National Constitution Center’s America’s Town Hall fall season will be announced this summer. Up-to-date program information can be found atconstitutioncenter.org/debate or by calling 215-409-6700.

The National Constitution Center’s America’s Town Hall series features distinguished leaders, scholars, authors, and journalists who speak on the most significant constitutional topics of our time. Tickets for the National Constitution Center’s America’s Town Hall programs are free or discounted for Members, and advance registration is recommended as programs fill quickly. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 215-409-6700 or online at constitutioncenter.org/debate.

Please note: All programs are subject to change. Please call 215-409-6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org for the most up-to-date program information.

Ticket Information

General Admission: Adults $14.50; Youth (6-18) $11; Students w/ID and Seniors $13. Members, active military personnel, and children ages 5 and under are free.

Admission for 15 or more is $7.50 for student and youth groups; $9 for adult and senior groups.

*Visit constitutioncenter.org for the most up-to-date ticket information.

The National Constitution Center is located at 525 Arch Street on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall. The Center is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.