Do you hear that patriotic melody floating through the air? That is the sound of American history resonating right here at the National Constitution Center.
Hello everyone and welcome. We are standing before a monument to the very document that shapes our nation the National Constitution Center. This is not just another museum. It is a dynamic hub for civic education and constitutional dialogue.
Imagine stepping inside. You are immediately greeted by the sight of state flags proudly displayed in the lobby. The National Constitution Center is made of American products. It features 85000 square feet of Indiana limestone, 2.6 million pounds of steel, and a half-million cubic feet of concrete. The building itself is a testament to American ingenuity and craftsmanship.
The National Constitution Center does not house the original Constitution. The original is safely stored at the National Archives Building in Washington D.C. However, what we have here is so much more. The National Constitution Center brings the Constitution to life through interactive exhibits.
Have you heard of Signers’ Hall? It is one of the most popular exhibits here at the National Constitution Center. Here you can meet the Founding Fathers. Forty-two life-sized bronze statues stand ready for a photo opportunity. You can pose with the men who shaped our nation.
The National Constitution Center is more than just a museum. It is a national town hall. The center hosts government leaders, journalists, scholars, and even celebrities. They come here to engage in public discussions about the Constitution.
Did you know that the National Constitution Center has hosted presidential debates? In 2008, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama debated right here. The center provides a non-partisan platform for critical conversations.
The Constitution Heritage Act created the National Constitution Center. President Ronald Reagan signed it into law. The act aimed to increase awareness and understanding of the Constitution among all Americans. The address, 525 Arch Street, was chosen because May 25 was the date that the Constitutional Convention began in Philadelphia.
The National Constitution Center is also home to the Philadelphia Liberty Medal. This annual award recognizes men and women of courage and conviction. They strive to secure the blessings of liberty for people around the globe.
Before its closure, the Newseum in Washington D.C. displayed a four-story-tall stone panel. It was inscribed with the text of the First Amendment. This panel will be donated to the National Constitution Center. It will be displayed in the second-floor atrium.
Through its Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, the National Constitution Center offers civic-education programs. They develop and distribute teaching tools and lesson plans.
As we conclude our visit to the National Constitution Center, remember its mission. The National Constitution Center is here to increase awareness and understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Its strategic location in Philadelphia, “America’s most historic square mile”, is no coincidence. The National Constitution Center serves as a constant reminder of the principles upon which our nation was founded.