Constitution Day-Eisenhower Presidential Library

Constitution Day programs will be held again this year at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home in partnership with the Eisenhower Foundation. The interactive event, designed for 4th and 5th grade students, will be offered during the week of Sept. 14-18. Kansas recognizes the week containing Sept. 17, the date the U.S. Constitution was signed, as Celebrate Freedom Week.

The program helps students honor and celebrate the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, as well as commemorate the signing of the Constitution. Space is still available for schools to participate. Reservations from teachers should be made by Sept. 3 by calling 785-263-6754 or emailing Pam.Sanfilippo@nara.gov.

The event will include four 30-minute participatory student activities. Groups of 20-25 students will rotate through the four stations:

Activity 1: "Holding History" - Students will examine copies of letters kids wrote to President Eisenhower. Discussion will include topics of that period in history and how citizens can interact with the Executive Branch of government.

Activity 2: "Dear Mr. President" - Following a discussion of several current topics, students will write their own letter to President Obama.

Activity 3: "The U.S. Flag" - Students will look at flag artifacts and hear about the changes to our flag under President Eisenhower when Alaska and Hawaii were added as states.

Activity 4: "Presidential Pics" - In the Presidential Gallery of the Museum, students will create a collage on their school iPad app, Pic Collage. (If the school does not have iPads available for their visit, a gallery scavenger hunt will be substituted

The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, a nonpartisan federal institution, is part of the Presidential Libraries network operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Presidential Libraries promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. We preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire.