Search Results for: constitution day

Constitution Day: Remembering Our Responsibilities and Opportunities as Citizens

by Jessie Kratz, posted in - Constitution, National Archives History

September 17 is Constitution Day, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. Visit the National Archives website for resources related to the Constitution and its special day. The national celebration of Constitution Day traces back to 1940, when Congress passed a resolution authorizing the President to issue an annual … Continue reading Constitution Day: Remembering Our Responsibilities and Opportunities as Citizens

Constitution Day: Translating the Constitution

by Jessie Kratz, posted in - Constitution

Today’s post comes from Rachel Bartgis, conservator technician at the National Archives at College Park, MD. Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17, 1787—the day that the majority of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention approved the document they had been working on in Philadelphia since May. But the Constitution wouldn’t become the official framework … Continue reading Constitution Day: Translating the Constitution

The Entire Constitution for Constitution Day

by Jessie Kratz, posted in - Constitution, National Archives History

September 17 is Constitution Day commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787.  Fifty years ago, all four pages of the U.S. Constitution went on display at the National Archives for the first time.  When the National Archives first received the original Constitution from the Library of Congress in 1952, … Continue reading The Entire Constitution for Constitution Day

Constitution Day 1985 and Ross Perot’s Magna Carta

by Jessie Kratz, posted in - Constitution

Before David M. Rubenstein owned the 1297 Magna Carta, it belonged to Texas billionaire H. Ross Perot, who for decades generously loaned it to the National Archives. On September 17, 1985—Constitution Day—Perot came to the National Archives to visit his Magna Carta, and address new U.S. citizens. Sadly in July 2019, Ross Perot passed away at … Continue reading Constitution Day 1985 and Ross Perot’s Magna Carta

Constitution Day through the years

by Jessie Kratz, posted in - Constitution, National Archives History

September 17 is designated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787! Today’s post comes from Rebecca Watford from the National Archives History Office. As the keeper of the U.S. Constitution, the National Archives has a long tradition of celebrating Constitution Day.   … Continue reading Constitution Day through the years

A Constitution Day reminder

by Jessie Kratz, posted in - Constitution

Dear Federal Colleagues—on Constitution Day we here at the National Archives are happily tasked with promoting the United States Constitution . . . and you are too! Why? Because of an act of Congress that was the brainchild of Senator Robert C. Byrd (1917–2010). Senator Byrd loved the Constitution. He studied it in college. He … Continue reading A Constitution Day reminder

The Real Constitution Day?

by hparkins, posted in - Constitution, National Archives History, U.S. House, U.S. Senate

Today’s post comes from Jessie Kratz, historian of the National Archives. June 21, 2013, marks the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution’s ratification. As we prepare for a long, hot summer here in the nation’s capital, I can only imagine what it felt like in 1787, when delegates from 12 states met in Philadelphia’s pre–air … Continue reading The Real Constitution Day?

Amending the Constitution: 100 Days to 200 Years

by US National Archives, posted in - Constitution

The Constitution hasn’t changed much since it was adopted in 1787. However, it has been tweaked by 27 amendments—some were ratified in a few months, another took more than two centuries. The ink on the Constitution had barely dried in 1787 when people discovered what it did not say. It did not spell out adequately, … Continue reading Amending the Constitution: 100 Days to 200 Years

Constitution 225: Friday Facts

by hparkins, posted in - Constitution

Constitution Day is September 17. Here are 17 Constitution facts to impress your friends and family. (Need more than 17? Our Constitution web page has all you need to know!) SEVENTEEN: The Constitution has 4,543 words, including the signatures. It takes about 30 minutes to read. SIXTEEN: The Constitution was drafted in fewer than 100 … Continue reading Constitution 225: Friday Facts

Thanksgiving as a Federal Holiday

by Jessie Kratz, posted in Abraham Lincoln, Holidays, Presidents, U.S. House, U.S. Senate

This year the federal holiday Thanksgiving falls on November 23, the fourth Thursday of the month. But it wasn’t always so. Today’s post looks at Thanksgiving as a federal holiday and the various days it has been commemorated. To learn more about Thanksgiving and how the National Archives is celebrating, visit our website. One of … Continue reading Thanksgiving as a Federal Holiday