Check out these featured videos that dive into the importance and complexities of the First Amendment, featuring the National Constitution Center and other sources. Click the icon in the top-right corner of the video to toggle through the rest of the playlist.
The First Amendment for the Twenty-First Century (The Pittsburgh Foundation)
On June 21 and 22, 2018, The Pittsburgh Foundation, in partnership with The Heinz Endowments, presented a conference, The First Amendment for the 21st Century: Current Threats and Community Responses. The idea for this event, offered to the public at no charge, was grounded in the deep concern about current threats to foundational freedoms that together constitute our democracy. These threats, all of which may be best understood as a reflection of global rather than national trends, are most formidable when the people cease to be vigilant regarding the need to participate in democratic institutions, particularly in times when there are serious economic and social disruptions. Watch recordings from this conference through the link above.
As the public history community prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American Independence in 2026, the theme of civics has been brought to the forefront of planning conversations. The Semiquincentennial presents an unequaled opportunity for renewing civic education and engagement by interrogating the history and legacy of the United States’ founding, from the successes and failures to the evolution of democracy and citizenship.
The Bill of Rights Institute develops educational resources on American history and government, provides professional development opportunities to teachers, and runs student programs and scholarship contests. The Institute's depth of knowledge is drawn from a full-time staff with more than 100 years of combined classroom experience, as well as from partners who are experts in their fields.
The National Constitution Center brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution.