Commemorate Juneteenth

Juneteenth marks America’s second Independence Day—an enduring celebration of freedom and the oldest nationally recognized commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States.

Explore free resources highlighting the impact and history of the holiday:

• “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”: In 1852, Frederick Douglass delivered this Independence Day address to the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society. It became one of Douglass’s most famous speeches—criticizing the chasm between America’s founding principles and the institution of slavery.

• Juneteenth: Tracing the Origins and Significance: In this America’s Town Hall, William B. Allen of Michigan State University and Hasan Kwame Jeffries of The Ohio State University explore the history and meaning of the holiday, its connection to July 4 and the Declaration of Independence.

• Constitution 101 Curriculum Module 12: Slavery in America: Explore our Constitution 101 high school curriculum to learn how the Constitution both protected and contested slavery from the founding through Reconstruction—a story that culminates in the Civil War, the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, and what many scholars call America’s “Second Founding.” Dive into the full module to access lesson plans, activity guides, primary sources, and more.

Local educators are invited to join us in person at the Center for special programming celebrating Juneteenth. Admission is free. Learn more

The Story of the U.S. Constitution: Past and Present

Monday, June 23 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. ET

In Person and Online

Akhil Reed Amar and David Blight of Yale University and Annette Gordon-Reed, president of the Organization of American Historians and Harvard professor, join National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen for an America’s Town Hall discussion on the U.S. Constitution. The conversation will cover the debates that have shaped America—from the founding era to today and examine transformative moments in American history and landmark Supreme Court decisions.

This program is presented in partnership with the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy and the Organization of American Historians. Educators who are local to Philadelphia are welcome to join us in person at the Center.

Professional Learning This Summer

American Revolution Virtual Workshop

Monday, July 28–Tuesday, July 29 | 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. ET

Online

As the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary of 1776, educators are invited to join us for a two-day free virtual workshop exploring the principles, figures, and legacies of the American Revolution. Together with historians and fellow teachers from across the country, we’ll dive into the principles that shaped the American Revolution and continue to influence our lives today. 

Participants will also get a sneak peek of the National Constitution Center’s forthcoming Interactive Declaration of Independence and America 250-inspired educational resources launching in September!

The workshop is free to attend with registration. Participants can choose to attend one day or both days. 

Pennsylvania’s Civic Legacy From the Founding Era to Today

Thursday, July 24 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. ET

Online

This summer marks the final countdown to America’s 250th birthday—and Pennsylvania is at the heart of the story. Educators in Pennsylvania are invited to gather for a one-day virtual workshop with peers and civic leaders from across the Commonwealth for a day of professional learning that bridges past and present.

As we stand on the threshold of this historic milestone, we’ll explore Pennsylvania’s enduring civic legacy—from its founding-era ideals to its role in shaping American democracy today.

The workshop is free to attend. Participants will receive six hours of Act 48 credit through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

New Constitution in the Headlines Topic

Habeas Corpus, Past and Present

There’s been renewed talk in Washington, D.C., about suspending habeas corpus, the constitutional right that protects people from being detained without justification. On May 9, 2025, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller suggested the Trump administration is considering suspending this right in the context of immigration enforcement, arguing the Constitution allows it in times of invasion.

In a new Constitution Daily blog post, we explore the origins of habeas corpus and look at four times in U.S. history it was suspended: during the Civil War, Reconstruction, in the Philippines under U.S. control, and in Hawaii during World War II. Each case raised constitutional questions about who has the power to suspend the writ and under what circumstances it’s allowed.

Discuss this topic using the blog post, as well as curated discussion questions, student choice activities, and primary sources.

Reserve Your 2025-2026 Civic Calendar

Our America 250 commemorative 2025-2026 Civic Calendar will support the classroom instruction of key historical dates, events, and themes that led to the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence. Each month offers free educational resources and discussion questions to engage learners about both its history and its relevance today.

Fill out the request form to ensure you receive a free copy of the 2025-2026 Civic Calendar. Requests will be fulfilled and shipped in September 2025.

You’re Invited: Upcoming Events

🗓️ Live From the Museum: Heroes of Reconstruction

Online | Tuesday, June 17 | Noon ET

Sign your classes up to explore the Center’s compelling exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality, with one of our museum educators. Learn how abolitionists, soldiers, and politicians transformed the Constitution after the war during the Reconstruction period, expanding the meaning of “We, the People.”

🗓️ Civic Holidays: Independence Week

In Person | Thursday, June 26 – Sunday, July 6

Join the National Constitution Center for an array of patriotic festivities surrounding Independence Day, exploring the history of the Declaration of Independence and how the definition of “We the People” has expanded since Thomas Jefferson penned the famous words “…all men are created equal…” in 1776. Attend the interactive Independence Day show, participate in American flag history and etiquette workshops, create Colonial-era crafts, and stop by the Revolutionary War encampment on the museum's Front Lawn.

🗓️ Special Event: Wawa Hoagie Day®

In Person | Thursday, June 26 | 5–7 p.m. ET

Join Wawa for historic Hoagie Day®, honoring local heroes, and building and serving Wawa Shorti Hoagies. Hoagies will be served free at noon along Arch Street between 5th & 6th Streets in the Independence Mall area. Guests can enjoy a performance by the Six String Soldiers, along with free admission all day to the National Constitution Center courtesy of Wawa Hoagie Day®.

Connect With Us

Constitution 101 | Professional Learning | Virtual Student Programs | Events Calendar 

About the National Constitution Center’s Educational Resources 

The National Constitution Center provides K-12 curriculum, professional learning, and student programs that make constitutional education engaging and relevant. Learn more at: constitutioncenter.org/education.

Update your email preferences by clicking the Update Profile link below to subscribe to other National Constitution Center newsletters and manage how often you hear from us.