Press/Journalists

Mark Your Calendars for Constitution Week Activities
Press Release · Tuesday, May 30, 2000

Washington, DC

The National Archives celebrates Constitution Week, September 15 through September 22, 2000, commemorating the 213th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Visitors can see Page Two of the U.S. Constitution (for the first time in 13 years) now in it's new space-age encasement, hear a world renowned jazz band, listen to a discussion of first amendment issues, witness a naturalization ceremony in front of the Charters of Freedom, and see films and author's lectures--all for free, at the National Archives Building, located at Pennsylvania Avenue, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW.

A listing of events follows:

  • Page Two of the U.S. Constitution. On Friday, September 15, 2000, the public will get its first glimpse at the new high-tech housing designed to safeguard our nation's most precious documents from environmental hazards. Page Two of the Constitution will be featured in this new encasement. This display is the centerpiece of a new exhibition, entitled "Preserving the Charters of Freedom" that offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the painstaking care taken by the National Archives to preserve the Charters of Freedom. The years of planning by a team of world-renowned experts; the microscopic examination of the parchment; and the creation of a completely unique design for the new housing of the documents are all part of the story chronicled in this exhibition. The exhibition will be in the National Archives Rotunda, located at Constitution Avenue, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, through July 4, 2001. Hours are 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. To accommodate anticipated crowds, the Rotunda will remain open until 8 P.M. on Friday, September 15.
  • The Navy Commodores, featuring 18 of the Navy's top jazz and "big band" musicians, will perform on Saturday, September 16, 2000, at 1 PM on Constitution Avenue, in front of the National Archives Building. The band, combining the best of jazz and popular music, has performed world-wide to huge, enthusiastic crowds.
  • Evening Panel Discussion co-sponsored with the Freedom Forum (The First Amendment Center)1, Wednesday, September 20. Reception 6:30 PM. Presentation at 7:30 P.M. A prominent journalist will moderate five participants whose lives were changed by the First Amendment and who, in turn, changed the nation. Reception by invitation only. Program will be open to the public.
  • Naturalization ceremony for petitioners seeking American citizenship held in the National Archives Rotunda in front of the U.S. Constitution with a judge of the U.S. District Court presiding. 10 A.M., Friday, September 22, 2000.
  • Films and Authors' lectures throughout the month relating to constitutional themes.

1The Freedom Forum is the Gannett newspaper group foundation that, among other things, operates the Newseum.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

This page was last reviewed on April 2, 2019.
Contact us with questions or comments.

Top