Join the National Constitution Center for an array of patriotic festivities surrounding Independence Day, exploring the history of the Declaration of Independence and how the definition of "We the People" has expanded since Thomas Jefferson penned the famous words" all men are created equal"  in 1776. Attend the interactive Independence Day show, participate in American flag history and etiquette workshops, create Colonial-era crafts, and stop by the Revolutionary War encampment on the museum's Front Lawn.

Daily Programs:

Flag Ceremonies
10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Front Lawn
Join the National Constitution Center staff each morning as we raise the American flag over our building on Independence Mall, and then again in the evenings as we reverently lower it.

History of Independence Day Show
10:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook
From parades to protests, cannons to flag waving, explosive words to fiery demonstrations, this show takes an in-depth look at this exciting celebration of freedom from the early days of American independence to the present day.

Artifact Spotlight: A Fragment of the Lincoln Flag
11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Civil War and Reconstruction Exhibit
On the way to his inauguration, Abraham Lincoln stopped by Philadelphia on February 22, 1861, and raised an American flag over Independence Hall. View a fragment of this flag and learn more about the president’s commitment to preserving the Union and fulfilling the promises of the Declaration of Independence.

History of the American Flag Show
11:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook
How much do you know about the stars and stripes? Discover the history of the American flag during our interactive flag show. Together we’ll uncover the flag’s symbolism and learn how to properly raise, display, and fold the flag during a flag raising ceremony.

Giant Flag Folding
Noon, National Constitution Center Front Lawn
Join us on the Front Lawn for a flag-folding demonstration featuring our giant American flag! We’ll uncover the flag’s symbolism and learn how to properly fold the flag.

The Four Harriets of History Program
12:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook
Explore the lives of four American women—Harriet Robinson Scott, Harriet Tubman, Harriet Jacobs, and Harriet Beecher Stowe—who confronted slavery through literature, lawsuits, and direct action in their efforts to free themselves and others from bondage. 

Family Fun Activities
10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Front Lawn
Join us on the Front Lawn to play graces, hoop and stick, nine pin, and other games popular during the Revolutionary era.

Special Days:

11:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m and 3:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m: Red, White, and Blue To-do Decorating Days
A vibrant display of patriotic celebration, the Red, White, and Blue To-Do brings together museums, historic sites, and local businesses in America’s most historic square mile to honor our nation’s founding. This monumental occasion promises to be a memorable experience for all, featuring the Red, White, and Blue To-Do Pomp and Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more.

To prepare for the upcoming Red, White, and Blue To-Do, Philadelphia’s Historic District is hosting Decorating Days, where community members are welcome to join us to help create the official wagon floats for the Red, White, and Blue To-Do Pomp and Parade.

Wagon decorating will take place at the National Constitution Center on the dates and times below. The activity is free, but space is limited, so advance registration is strongly encouraged. Due to the nature of the art projects, we ask that parties register at least one adult for every two youth participants.

Click Here For Registration Information