National Constitution Center in Philadelphia

Feel the purpose and power of the Constitution of the United States of America at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. It’s more than just a collection of artifacts. It’s an interactive classroom that gives you a deeper understanding of why the Constitution begins with three simple words: “We the People…”

Philadelphia offers so much history around the founding of this country. There’s the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Museum of the American Revolution and several other historic sites and museums.

Check out the online resources available from the National Constitution Center.

Despite the many other hot spots in the City of Brotherly Love, here’s a rundown on why the National Constitution Center will likely be the highlight of your visit.

Freedom Rising – A Presentation of “We The People”

The best way to start your experience at the National Constitution Center is in the theater accessible on the first floor. Inside the theater, you’ll take a seat. There is no bad seat, since it’s a round theater.

The presentation includes a narrator standing in the center. Images are projected on screens throughout the theater. Images from history and powerful words about the writing of the constitution and what the phrase “We the People” is so important.

When the presentation ends, you’ll proceed out the top of the theater to enter the main gallery area. But you’ll leave that theater feeling so proud to be an American.

Main Exhibit: The Story of “We the People”

The main exhibit area includes several interactive exhibits about constitutional history, bringing it into today’s world.

As you make your way around the exhibit, grab a Supreme Court judge’s robe and take a selfie. You can also sit at the Court’s bench and rule on a few cases. You can also see a judge’s rode from Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

There’s a large display known as the American National Tree. It’s complete with touchscreens highlighting 100 citizens who have shaped America’s constitutional history.

If you would like to be sworn in as President of the United States, step up to the podium and read the oath. It’s a great spot for a selfie, too. And if you’re too young to cast a vote in the next national election, step into one of the demo voting booths and cast your ballot.

The gallery also includes rare artifacts, like a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation or wreckage from the World Trade Centers from Sept. 11, 2001. You’ll find other artifacts, but they rotate regularly. Don’t miss the other exhibits that cover different elements of the U.S. Constitution’s history.

Signers’ Hall

Signers’ Hall takes you into the room where the U.S. Constitution was signed. George Washington is at the front of the room, along with other notable key players like Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton.

Historians may not recognize a single statue by their face. Luckily, there is a name plate at the feet of every statue.

In the back corner of the room are three people who are a little removed from what’s happening. There’s a reason for that – they opted to not add their signature to the document.

One of the docents shared a lot of historical facts with me while I was in the room. He even explained to me how we got the term “Gerrymandering.”

If selfies are your thing, then this is a great place to grab one, or two, or 39 (one for every signer of the U.S. Constitution).

Civil War

The Civil War and Reconstruction is a fascinating exhibit. It’s one of the featured exhibits, meaning it won’t always be on display. I haven’t found a “finish” date yet, but check their website before your visit to make sure you know which featured exhibits are at the National Constitution Center.

The exhibit walks you through more than just a war. You learn about how different interpretations of the U.S. Constitution over slavery led to the war. At one point, you can play a board game to learn more about the whole situation.

Don’t miss out on the artifacts found on display here. Keep an eye out for fragments of the flag raised by Abraham Lincoln at Independence Hall in 1861, among other notable artifacts.

After walking through the days of the Civil War, the exhibit turns to the transforming of the nation to bring equality to all citizens. While the Bill of Rights added 12 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, there are three additional amendments that came a few years after the Civil War ended.

The 13th (Abolishes slavery), 14th (Equal protection clause, among other things) and 15th (rights to vote) amendments have individual exhibits. Learn why each of these amendments were so important for the growing nation.

Other Exhibits at the National Constitution Center

One exhibit I spent a lot of time in was about Alexander Hamilton. The Broadway musical is on my bucket list, so I wanted to learn a little more about the role this man played in America’s history.

I saw writings preserving his penmanship, along with replica’s of the revolvers used in the famous duel between Hamilton and then Vice President Aaron Burr. However, that exhibit it no longer at the museum.

Learn about the other featured exhibits at the National Constitution Center on their website.

The Details

Address: 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday 9:30-5 p.m.; Sunday 12-5 p.m.

Costs: Adult tickets are $14.50; Seniors (65+) and college students (with ID) are $13; Military veterans and youth (ages 6-11) are $11. Children 5 and under are free, along with active military

Website: https://constitutioncenter.org/

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