Press/Journalists

National Archives Celebrates the U.S. Constitution in September 2011
Press Release · Thursday, July 28, 2011

Washington, DC…In celebration of the 224th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution (September 17 is Constitution Day), the National Archives presents an author lecture on James Madison, an ice cream social with Dolley Madison, and an evening panel discussion on the role of the Constitution in the Presidential campaign moderated by NPR talk show host Diane Rehm. These events are free and open to the public.

The National Archives has the original Constitution on permanent display in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom of the National Archives Building, located on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, DC. Museum hours (through Labor Day) are 10 A.M. to 7 P.M., day after Labor Day through March 14, 2012, 10 A.M. to 5:30 P.M., daily.  Metro accessible on the yellow and green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial stop.

James Madison
Friday, September 16, at noon, McGowan Theater

The National Archives celebrates Constitution Day with a special program on James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution.” Historian Richard Brookhiser discusses the life of this important Founding Father who helped to shape our country and who nourished Americans’ fledgling liberty. A book signing will follow the program.

Happy Birthday, U.S. Constitution!
Friday, September 16, 1–2 P.M., Jefferson Room

In a special program in celebration of the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the first 224 visitors will join First Lady Dolley Madison for an ice cream social as she describes White House entertainment in the early 19th century.

A Voter’s Primer: Presidential Politics and the Constitution
Tuesday, September 20, at 7 P.M., William G. McGowan Theater

NPR talk show host Diane Rehm moderates a panel discussion on the role of the Constitution in the Presidential campaign—addressing both how the Constitution may be a reference point in evaluating candidates and how campaigns are likely to use (and mis-use) the Constitution. This program is presented in partnership with James Madison’s Montpelier as part of their Center for the Constitution’s annual series to advance public knowledge of the U.S. Constitution.

For more information on National Archives programs, the public should call the Public Programs Line at: (202) 357-5000, or view the Calendar of Events online. The National Archives is fully accessible. If you need to request an accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for a public program please email public.program@nara.gov or call 202-357-5000 at least two weeks prior to the event to ensure proper arrangements are secured.

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For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (202) 357-5300.

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