Celebrating America's 250th Birthday with Civic Education
July 4, 2026, will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence's signing. Over the course of this year, the Center for Civic Education will join in celebrating this historic event. The ideas laid forth in America's founding document have continued to inspire and guide generations across the world. We can think of no better way to mark this occasion than with a national rededication to civic education and participation.
Upcoming Events
Event Details
James Madison warned that the greatest threat to liberty might come not from government power, but from majorities oppressing minorities. This session will explore how the Bill of Rights was designed to safeguard against that danger.
Date: February 5, 2026
7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT
Event Details
The Center for Civic Education and the Civic Education Research Lab (CERL) invite you to join leaders from across the nation for a pivotal gathering at the intersection of research, practice, and policy. Together, we will amplify our efforts to expand high-quality, evidence-based civic education.
Date: March 6–7, 2026
Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
Event Details
Every year, hundreds of students from across the nation travel to Washington, D.C. for the National Finals or enter the National Invitational. They compete in front of scholars, public officials, judges, and other experts, showcasing their knowledge of America's Constitution and government.
Dates:
Finals: April 17–19, 2026
Invitational: May 15-16, 2026
Past Event Recordings
Recording Details
As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, join us for a thought-provoking evening on how to teach the founding era in ways that empower and include all students. This session invites teachers to explore 1776 as both a historical turning point and a living civic promise.
Recording Details
Should the Constitution evolve with the times, or should it be interpreted strictly as the Framers understood it? This session will examine the Framers’ vision of constitutional change, the modern rise of originalism, and the implications of these perspectives in today’s Supreme Court decisions.
