Constitution Day in The Natural State

Museums and historic sites across Arkansas and the nation will commemorate Constitution Day on Saturday, September 17, with events and learning opportunities. Arkansans have the chance to view a copy of the U.S. Constitution currently on display at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. One of only 11 known prints, the document is on display with other permanent collection works as a part of an exhibition titled “We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy,” on view until January 2, 2023.

Crystal Bridges will celebrate Constitution Day with a weekend of activities including artists, scholars and civic leaders presenting performances, artmaking and gallery conversations to commemorate the enduring impact of the U.S. Constitution. The events are in collaboration with the National Constitution Center, Bill of Rights Institute and iCivics.

The schedule includes:

September 16: Short Talks, Big Ideas: Radical Notions of Democracy

Enjoy an evening of fast-paced talks and performances featuring thinkers shaping contemporary civic conversations.

September 17: The Art of the Constitution

Community members, experts, artists and educators will use art to explore themes presented in the Constitution. Festivities include art-making activities and giveaways for attendees.

Other original prints on display as a part of “We the People” include the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Bill of Rights and the Emancipation Proclamation.

“We the People” encourages visitors to explore the significance of the world’s longest-surviving written charter of government and reflect on the relevance of the U.S. Constitution in the lives of Americans today.

Constitution Day is a federal observance that commemorates the U.S. Constitution. It is observed on September 17, the day the Constitution was signed in 1787.

Admission to this exhibition and the museum’s permanent collection is free. For more information, visit https://crystalbridges.org/.