constitutioncenter.org/debate
AMERICA’S TOWN HALL
Timely constitutional conversations uniting thought leaders from all sides of the debate
FALL 2016
LIBERTYMEDAL2016
SEPTEMBER 19CEREMONY & GALA RECEPTION
CIVIL RIGHTS ICON ê CONGRESSMAN
JOHN LEWIS 2016 LIBERTY MEDAL RECIPIENT
For tickets and more information, visit constitutioncenter.org/libertymedal.
Cover image: Monika Bickert of Facebook (center) discusses online speech with Eric Posner (right) and Geoffrey R. Stone (left) of University of Chicago Law School.
Dear Friends,
I’m thrilled to share with you the Fall 2016 lineup for America’s Town Hall! As we prepare for a new Supreme Court Term and race towards Election Day, our mission remains the same — to bring together the leading voices on all sides of the constitutional debates at the center of American life.
In the heart of the presidential campaign, we will seek to put the 2016 election in historical context. In celebration of Constitution Day, we will host a discussion with New York Times Company CEO Mark Thompson on the history of political rhetoric, from FDR to the 2016 election. We will also launch our new free Interactive Constitution app! Later in the season, we will tackle the constitutional visions of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the future of the Supreme Court, and the media’s role in the 2016 election. Finally, we will assess the constitutional legacy of President Obama, the historical roots of Black Lives Matter, and the relationship between populism and constitutionalism.
We look forward to a series of conversations on America’s Founding, including a Hamilton v. Jefferson debate at Mount Vernon in Virginia and symposia on George Mason and the Declaration of Independence here at the Constitution Center. Our focus on the Founding will culminate in a series of exciting talks on Bill of Rights Day on December 15 — celebrating the 225th anniversary of the Bill of Rights.
We will host discussions with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Linda Greenhouse, leading free speech voice Timothy Garton Ash, Judge David Barron, and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, as well as a conversation on the state of free speech on U.S. university campuses, in partnership with the literary and human rights group, PEN America. On the road, we will host debates in Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York exploring voter ID laws, gerrymandering, and whether to call a constitutional convention. Finally, we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the 14th Amendment at the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C.
The National Constitution Center is a private nonprofit whose inspiring work is made possible by our Members. That’s why the greatest access and discounted admission to our Town Hall programming comes with membership. Please join us for as many of these wonderful programs as possible, at the Center or online at constitutioncenter.org.
With appreciation,
Jeffrey Rosen
President & CEO National Constitution Center
FALL PROGRAMS GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Call 215.409.6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org/debate.
The Reluctant Statesman George Mason and the American Tradition of Dissent Free
In a special afternoon symposium, acclaimed historians Linda Monk, Stephen Solomon, David O. Stewart, Ralph Young, and others discuss George Mason — one of the three dissenters of the Constitution— and the role dissent has played in shaping America.
In partnership with
Hillary Clinton v. Donald Trump The Constitutional Stakes $10 Members, teachers & students • $15 Non-members Free for 1787 Members
Conservative and liberal analysts discuss how the two leading presidential candidates interpret the Constitution and where they stand on the most important constitutional questions facing America today.
David Barron The Clash between the President and Congress, 1776 to ISIS Free
First Circuit Court of Appeals Judge David Barron traces the ongoing struggle between America’s presidents and Congress over who has the power to declare and wage war as described in his new book, Waging War.
The Supreme Court in Transition A View from the Frontlines Free
Top legal journalists — Robert Barnes, Lincoln Caplan, and Marcia Coyle — examine the state of a 4-4 Supreme Court in transition and look forward to the differences between a Clinton Court and a Trump Court.
WEDNESDAYOCT 5
12–2:30 P.M.
MONDAYOCT 17
12 P.M.
WEDNESDAYOCT 26
12 P.M.
Alberto Gonzales9/11 from Inside the White House $10 Members, teachers & students • $15 Non-members Free for 1787 Members
Join us as we kickoff the fall season with Alberto Gonzales, former U.S. Attorney General and Counsel to President George W. Bush, for an evening of never-before-told stories behind the controversial decisions made during the crucible of the 9/11 attacks.
In partnership with
Mark Thompson What’s Gone Wrong with the Language of Politics?Free (Includes all Constitution Day observed programming*)
New York Times Company CEO Mark Thompson provides a wide-ranging, provocative examination of free speech and political rhetoric —from FDR and Churchill to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
*Visit constitutioncenter.org/constitutionday for the full schedule of programming.
The Nixon Court and the Rise of Judicial Conservatism Free
Pulitzer Prize-winning Supreme Court journalist Linda Greenhouse and Rutgers University School of Law Professor Earl Maltz return to the Warren Burger Court years for a look at the rise of the conservative court that still defines the constitutional landscape we live in today.
Timothy Garton AshTen Free Speech Principles for a Connected World Free
Don’t miss internationally acclaimed political writer and Guardian columnist Timothy Garton Ash in a rare U.S. appearance around his new book, Free Speech — hitting on controversies abroad from censorship in China to Charlie Hebdo.
THURSDAYSEPT 86:30 P.M.
TUESDAYSEPT 27
12 P.M.
WEDNESDAYSEPT 21
12 P.M.
FRIDAYSEPT 16
2 P.M.
TUESDAYOCT 11
12 P.M.
PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Call 215.409.6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org/debate.
Robert Strauss America’s Worst Presidents Free
Michael Gerhardt, Center Scholar-in-Residence, and Robert Strauss, author of Worst. President. Ever., offer an enlightening — and highly entertaining — account of James Buchanan’s presidency and explain how historians rank presidents over time.
The Constitutional Legacy of President Obama Free for 1787 Members • $10 Members, teachers & students $50 Non-members (*Includes an Individual Patriot Membership)
As Obama’s presidency shifts from headlines to history, what will we remember most? Jonathan Chait of New York magazine, Michael Days of the Philadelphia Daily News, and David French and Ramesh Ponnuru of the National Review explore the president’s constitutional legacy.
*Admission includes one ticket (a $15 value) and a National Constitution Center Individual Patriot Membership (a $50 value). Individual Patriot Members receive discounted admission for one person to Town Hall programs and much more! Visit constitutioncenter.org/membership to view all membership levels and benefits.
Black Lives Matter The Next Civil Rights Movement? $10 Members, teachers & students • $15 Non-members Free for 1787 Members
Randall Kennedy, Harvard Law Professor and leading scholar on race,
and others explore the history of Black Lives Matter and its parallels with past civil rights movements.
Populism, Demagogues, and Constitutional Democracy Free
Many voters across America and around the world are frustrated with establishment politics. But is the rising tide of populism a threat to constitutional values? Don’t miss this important conversation with foreign policy expert Robert Kagan, historian Michael Kazin, and law
professor John Yoo.
MONDAYNOV 28
12 P.M.
WEDNESDAYNOV 30
6:30 P.M.
MONDAYDEC 56:30 P.M.
THURSDAYDEC 8
12 P.M.
FALL PROGRAMS
A Declaration of Life and Liberty Invite-only
The Declaration of Independence asserts a right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.“ But what did the Founders believe to be linked in the ideas of life and liberty? Distinguished speakers come together for a daylong symposium exploring the Declaration’s promise.
In partnership with
The Day After Analyzing the Media’s Role in the 2016 Election $10 Members, teachers & students • $15 Non-members Free for 1787 Members
A day after the votes have been tallied, Todd Brewster of Temple University will sit down with Dylan Byers, senior reporter at CNN, Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, Bryan Monroe, former editor of CNNPolitics.com, and other journalism watchers to discuss the performance of the Fourth Estate in the 2016 presidential election.
In partnership with
Rethinking America’s FoundingFree
Michael Klarman, Harvard Law Professor and author of The Framers’ Coup, and Patrick Spero, Director of the American Philosophical Society and editor of The American Revolution Reborn, discuss their new books, putting a human face on America’s Framers and reassessing the clashes that helped define the Founding era.
The State of Campus Free Speech Free
Explore the current challenges around free speech on U.S. university campuses with scholars and activists from all sides of the debate.
In partnership with
WEDNESDAYNOV 96:30 P.M.
THURSDAYNOV 3
2:30 P.M.
MONDAYNOV 14
12 P.M.
THURSDAYNOV 17
7 P.M.
OPEN THROUGH ELECTION DAYExperience Headed to the White House, the only exhibit designed to engage visitors of all ages with the excitement of the election season. Join the race, earn the nomination and win the election as you go from campaign trail to the Oval Office all in one visit.
For tickets, visit constitutioncenter.org
or call 215.409.6700.
Thanks to the support of Pennoni Associates Inc. and The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
FALL PROGRAMS
Includes a book sale
Presented as part of the Center’s election 2016 programming
The National Constitution Center’s onsite Town Hall programs are generously supported by the Paul S. Levy Programming Fund.
BILL OF RIGHTS DAYTHURSDAY | DECEMBER 15
10 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
$5 (Includes museum admission and access to all Bill of Rights Day programming)
On the 225th Anniversary of the Bill of Rights, don’t miss our annual book festival featuring four back-to-back discussions with
constitutional expert Akhil Reed Amar and other acclaimed authors.
Seating is limited. Advanced registration is highly recommended.
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Call 215.409.6700 or visit constitutioncenter.org/debate.
OPEN THROUGH JANUARY 20
From George Washington to Abraham Lincoln, FDR to Richard Nixon, presidents have been defining and redefining the office while testing the boundaries of presidential power. Discover both key actions by well-known presidents as well as the constitutional legacies of lesser known “forgotten presidents,” and the impact that they all have had while holding our nation’s highest office.
Free with general admission. For tickets, visit constitutioncenter.org or call 215.409.6700.
NEW
EXHIBIT
ê Registration is recommended for all programs.
ê For faster check-in, present your eTicket at registration.
ê Seating begins one hour prior to program start time, and programs last approximately one hour unless otherwise noted.
ê Parking is available for most programs in our parking garage on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability will be posted on our website two weeks prior to each event.
ê Topics and speakers are subject to change.
Read our blog, Constitution Daily. Get the latest coverage of constitutional issues at blog.constitutioncenter.org.
Have a question for our Town Hall team? Email us at [email protected].
GENERAL INFO
atÇ LIVE Ç
Can’t make it to a Town Hall? Watch programs live or catch up by video or podcast at constitutioncenter.org/debate.
Listen to our weekly podcast featuring Center President Jeffrey Rosen. Search for We the People in your favorite podcast app or at constitutioncenter.org/debate.
GEORGE WASHINGTON’S MOUNT VERNON MOUNT VERNON, VA Hamilton v. Jefferson: A Clash of Constitutional Visions in Washington’s Cabinet
In partnership with
For tickets and more information, visit constitutioncenter.org/debate.
* These programs are made possible through the support of a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed during these programs are those of the program participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.
JOIN US ON THE ROAD TRAVELING TOWN HALLS
NATIONAL ARCHIVES MUSEUM WASHINGTON, DC The 14th Amendment at 150: Liberty and Equality, Yesterday and Today
Sponsored by
In partnership with
TUESDAYSEPT 27
7 P.M.
THURSDAYDEC 17 P.M.
CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER CHICAGO, IL Resolved: State Voter ID Laws Are Unconstitutional
Sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation*
In partnership with
WEDNESDAYOCT 5
6 P.M.
KAUFMAN MUSIC CENTER NEW YORK, NY IQ2US Debate: Call a Convention to Amend the Constitution
Sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation*
In partnership with
WEDNESDAYDEC 7
6:45 P.M.
MONDAYNOV 14
6 P.M.
GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON, DC IQ2US Debate: Gerrymandering Has Destroyed the Political Center
Sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation*
In partnership with
1787 Society & Chairman’s Circle Become a member of one of the National Constitution Center’s annual giving
societies. With a contribution of $1,000 or more, you’ll be recognized as a
member of the 1787 Society and have access to exclusive benefits including
previews, private events and programming with the nation’s leading scholars,
judges, and policy makers in Philadelphia and across the country. The Chairman’s
Circle is a national annual giving society of engaged citizens who contribute
$25,000 or more and actively participate with the National Constitution Center’s
leadership in promoting its nonpartisan mission and building its national reach.
JOIN TODAY!
The National Constitution Center is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit, nonpartisan private organization.
LEARN MORE about the benefits of membership at constitutioncenter.org/membership or by calling 215.409.6767.
Mail the attached order form to National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Call us at 215.409.6767
Visit us online at constitutioncenter.org/membership
Visit our Box Office during regular museum hours
EASY WAYS TO JOIN & SUPPORT4Generous support from individuals, foundations and corporations ensures that
the National Constitution Center can provide constitutional education for people
of all ages. Members enjoy greater access to exhibits, programs, and special
events while directly supporting the Center’s nonprofit, nonpartisan mission
to bring people together of all ages, backgrounds and perspectives to learn
about, debate and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history,
the U.S. Constitution.
Membership begins at $50 for an individual and $95 for a family.
Member benefits include:
• Discounted admission to evening Town Hall programs, plus complimentary ticket(s) for select evening programs
• Free unlimited Museum admission
• Invitations to Members-only exhibit previews and special events with guest speakers
• Members-only E-newsletter with advance notice of feature exhibits, events, and special offers
• 10% discount in the Museum Store and Delegates’ Cafe
See the attached membership order form for a complete list of membership options.
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