NARA Opens Two Weeks of Constitution-Related Programs
NISO Member News
Washington DC | September 17, 2024
The National Archives commenced two weeks of civics education programming this week in support of Constitution Day, observed each year on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the Constitution in Philadelphia in 1787.
Educators from across the agency, including those from the Education Programs Division, and the Presidential Libraries, will offer 30 free virtual webinars for K–12 students and educators through September 20. These offerings are part of Civics for All of US, the agency’s national education initiative that promotes civic literacy and engagement. This marks a 50 percent increase in courses offered from last year’s programming.
“For 2024, we have an opportunity to increase our Constitution Day offerings through staggered webinar dates, times, and grade band programs, providing multiple opportunities for educators to connect with a Civics for All of US webinar as part of their required Constitution Day school curriculum,” Education Specialist Chris Zarr said. “Through this approach, the National Archives Education Program hopes to accommodate the greatest number of teachers and students possible with free, accessible, high-quality programs.”
The webinars, designed to reach students of all ages, use primary sources in the National Archives to help students engage with the ideas in the U.S. Constitution. This year’s featured classes include “The Constitution and Our Community” and “Voting Rights, the Constitution, and Representative Government.”
“We are in the empowerment business,” said Nick Coddington, Supervisor of the Education Division. “The Archives maintains the records that enable the people to hold the government accountable. We connect National Archives records with students so they can be inspired, so they can be change-makers and take an active role in their communities.”
Educator Resources at the National Archives
Constitution Day programming will also offer a sneak peek at one of the new National Archives’ Declaration250 educational materials. These new programs for the 2024–25 school year coincide with the upcoming celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Through these courses, K–12 students will examine the Declaration of Independence as a primary source and its ongoing importance to the United States.
For more information on Constitution-related Civics for All of US webinars, including registration, visit civics.archives.gov/webinars. After Constitution Week, the Civics for All of US education programs will be available by request. Registration for by-request presentations of the Civics for All of US programs will open in late September 2024.
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is a Voting Member organization of NISO.