DelcoReviewSpring2017 - 29

Asia and the hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. The medal's roster
of recipients since then includes many of the men, women and
organizations that have shaped and guided the world through
the past two decades, including Nelson Mandela, Sandra Day
O'Connor, Kofi Annan, Shimon Peres and Colin Powell.
While strolling through the Constitution Center, it was interesting overhearing (yes, I am an eavesdropper) the comments
of all the school groups going through, examining the exhibits.
After the presidential election this past November, the students
were very in tune with many of the displays that may have previously gone right over their heads or not interested them in any
fringe historic facts that I learned back in school about Prohibiway. Now, it was all relevant to their lives, which was a good
tion and rarely thought of the subject again. However, this time
thing. I thought several times during my stroll-through, about
around, I learned it for keeps and thoroughly enjoyed the way it
what a wonderful field trip and learning opportunity this is for
was taught!
students, especially in middle school and onward.
Throughout the month of March, the National Constitution
As the Museum of We the People, the center brings the ConCenter hosted a variety of special programs and exhibits in honor stitution to life for visitors of all ages through interactive proof Women's History Month. Visitors explored the museum's The grams and exhibits. As America's Town Hall, the center brings
Story of We the People exhibit to discover defining moments in
the leading conservative and liberal thought leaders together
women's history, test their knowledge of women's history at the to debate the Constitution on all media platforms. As a center
center's giant game board activity, and participated in a music
for civic education, the center delivers the best educational
video workshop that looked at the Women's Suffrage Movement. programs and online resources that inspire, excite and engage
Highlights also included a collection of artifacts from Susan B.
citizens about the U.S. Constitution. For more information, call
Anthony and the movement for women's suffrage.
215-409-6700 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org. The muThe National Constitution Center in Philadelphia inspires
seum is located at 525 Arch St., Philadelphia, on Independence
citizenship as the only place where people across America and
Mall. The National Constitution Center is open 9:30 a.m. to
around the world can come together to learn about, debate and
5:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 12:00 Noon to 5:00
celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the
p.m. on Sundays. And just as a side note, the exhibit is always
U.S. Constitution. A private, nonprofit organization, the center
free for members, active military personnel and all children unserves as America's leading platform for constitutional education der 5 years of age.
and debate, fulfilling its Congressional charter "to disseminate
And just as an aside note, if you have not yet heard, the
information about the U.S. Constitution on a nonpartisan basis." brand new Museum of the American Revolution, www.amrevIf you are an attorney, or anyone involved in the law in any way, museum.org is set to open in that same historical hub (101 S.
shape or form, and have not yet visited there, this is a complete
Third St.) on April 19, 2017, the anniversary of "the shot heard
playground for you! Plan to stay a while if it is your first visit
'round the world." Over one hundred years in the making, the
because there is much to soak in! Since I hope to become an atmuseum will explore the dynamic story of the American Revotorney in my next life's career, I get impressed with the National lution using an expansive collection of Revolutionary-era weapConstitution Center even more each time that I visit. My mom, a ons, personal items, documents and works of art. Immersive
born and raised Philly girl, has not stopped talking about our visit galleries, theater experiences and recreated historical moments
ever since. She was so totally impressed, not just with the great
bring to life the events, people and ideals of our nation's foundexhibit, but with the whole place!
ing and engage people in the history and continuing relevance
Former Vice President Joe Biden was recently elected to
of the American Revolution.
chair the nonpartisan National Constitution Center. The eyes of
So if you don't get to the National Constitution Center this
the world are on the center every July 4 when the center plays a
month, be sure to make the trip there in the next several months
vital role in America's birthday celebration and every September or even during your summer vacation, when you can maybe
when The Liberty Medal is awarded by the National Constitucheck out both historical gems in one day. Either way, don't
tion Center to men and women of courage and conviction who
ignore the treasure trove that is, fortunately for all of us, in our
have strived to secure the blessings of liberty to people all over
own backyard. Grab a friend or your family, and go have a fun
the globe. The medal was first administered by the National
learning experience! We really do not have to travel to far-flung,
Constitution Center in 2006, when Presidents George H.W. Bush exotic destinations to have mind-broadening experiences. Truthand Bill Clinton were honored for their bipartisan humanitarfully, we just need to stop and take a breather and remember
ian efforts on behalf of the victims of the tsunami in Southeast
how much is right here in front of us.

SPRING 2017

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http://www.constitutioncenter.org http://www.amrevmuseum.org http://www.museum.org

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