Constitution Day 2025 Marked by Ceremonies, Proclamations and Educational Events Across the U.S.

Lead: Today, September 17, Americans observed Constitution Day with naturalization ceremonies, gubernatorial proclamations, museum programs and academic lectures in Philadelphia, Honolulu, Kansas, California and Arkansas, commemorating the 238th anniversary of the 1787 signing and renewing civic engagement.

Nut Graf: Constituted by Congress in 2004 to honor both the Constitution’s adoption and citizenship, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day offers educational programming, public ceremonies and official proclamations that underscore democratic values, celebrate new Americans and launch initiatives to deepen constitutional understanding among students and communities.

National Constitution Center Celebration in Philadelphia

The National Constitution Center opened its doors free of charge from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., unveiling the America at 250 CivicToolkit alongside its Interactive Constitution and hosting a lively Preamble reading, hands-on crafts, panel discussions with historical reenactors and a festive constitutional birthday cake.

Hawaii Proclamation and Civic Reflection

Honolulu’s Governor Josh Green proclaimed September 17 as “Constitution and Citizenship Day,” highlighting both the 1787 U.S. Constitution and Hawaiʻi’s 1840 kingdom constitution. The proclamation urged schools and civic groups statewide to hold lessons, discussions and community events promoting democratic participation and individual rights.

Nationwide Naturalization Ceremonies Welcome New Citizens

  • Eisenhower Presidential Library (Abilene, KS): At 11 a.m., 35 immigrants took the Oath of Allegiance in an indoor courtyard ceremony led by U.S. District Judge John W. Lungstrum, with remarks by Mary Jean Eisenhower and a rendition of the National Anthem.
  • National Archives (Washington, D.C.): The Charters of Freedom Rotunda livestreamed its annual naturalization event, celebrating newcomers alongside public viewings of the Constitution, Declaration and Bill of Rights.

Academic and Campus Engagement

  • University of Southern California: USC marked the 238th anniversary with student workshops, keynote addresses on constitutional history and pop-up exhibits featuring the Preamble in Doheny Library.
  • University of Arkansas: Political Science Professor Karen Sebold delivered the annual Constitution Day lecture at 4:30 p.m. in Giffels Auditorium, examining campaign finance’s constitutional contours and the impact of amendments on electoral integrity.

Additional Observances and Resources

Across the country, hundreds of schools complied with the federal mandate for Constitution Day programs, partnering with the American Constitution Society’s Constitution in the Classroom initiative, while civic organizations and bar associations held debates, mock conventions and simulated Supreme Court hearings to engage citizens of all ages.