Civic Season

Host Your Own Feast of Reason
2024-05-02 00:00 UTC | GA
This year, New American History is collaborating with our neighbors at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello to share a digitized version of the Feast of Reason. Host your own “Jeffersonian dinner” in the dorm or classroom, around the family dinner table, in a video chat or any social space. Promote civil discourse across generations or across the miles!

Stories of the Incarcerated at Sing Sing Prison in New York
2024-05-29 00:00 UTC | GA
Sing Sing Prison, in Ossining, New York, is a nearly 200 year-old prison that has shaped the carceral system. The Sing Sing Prison Museum helps people understand the impact of this place. Short videos will introduce you to the voices and stories of people who have been part of Sing Sing’s history and present-day.

The History of Race at the Museum of Us
2024-05-31 00:00 UTC | Museum of Us, 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA, CA, 92101, United States
“Race” is a short word with a long history. Yet, most of what we think about race is based on myth, folklore, or assumptions unsupported by genetics or biology. Learn about the history of race and reflect on identity in “Race: Are We So Different?”
Created by the American Anthropological Association and the Science Museum of Minnesota, “Race: Are We So Different?” is a core exhibit at the Museum of Us, a cultural anthropology museum.
Visit the current exhibition before it is reimagined into a new experience about the history and experience of race in the trinational region of San Diego-Tijuana, Mexico-Kumeyaay Nation.

Hostile Terrain 94: Installation on U.S.-Mexico Border Policies
2024-05-31 00:00 UTC | Museum of Us, 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA, CA, 92101, United States
Hostile Terrain 94 is a participatory map installation created by the Undocumented Migration Project, a non-profit research and arts-education collective. This installation is intended to raise awareness about the realities of the U.S.-Mexico Border, focusing on the deaths that have been happening almost daily since 1994 as a direct result of the Border Patrol policy “Prevention Through Deterrence”.
Hostile Terrain 94 was developed into a broader exhibition at the Museum of Us to illustrate the impacts of the U.S.-Mexico border policies on human life. Visitors reflect on a timeline of government policies, contemporary artworks, a land acknowledgment for the O’odham Peoples, and more.
The Museum of Us is a cultural anthropology museum with a mission to inspire human connections by exploring the human experience. Experiences at the Museum of Us tell the diverse stories that define all of us, especially those that have long been overlooked or silenced by dominant cultural narratives.

Uncensored: Pride Month
2024-05-31 00:00 UTC | DoSomething, NY, United States
CELEBRATE DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES BY READING A BANNED BOOK BY A QUEER AUTHOR

The top 3 most banned books of the past year all were about being queer. Attacks on books have been explicit about targeting content about the queer and trans experience–preventing young people from accessing stories and information that can build allyship and support for LGBTQIA+ teens in affirming their identity.
So, for Pride Month, we’re taking a stand to live our lives Uncensored. One way to do that is to read and celebrate stories about the queer experience and reflect on how these stories inspire us to live our lives proudly and openly. Take action with us and you could earn a $500 scholarship by reading a book from our Uncensored: Pride Month Booklist and share your personal reflections about the importance of the story and how you’ll advocate for culturally representative stories in your school.

Just Breathe: Wellness in STL
2024-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63112, United States
African American History Initiative (AAHI) programming is presented by Wells Fargo.
The Collective STL presents an intergenerational summer wellness experience. Participate in an all-levels yoga class and enjoy a variety of activities, including journaling, mindful art, music, live DJ performances, and food. If you like walking, hiking, and biking, we also encourage you to take advantage of the trails in Forest Park.

Slice of History Trivia Night with Liberty Hall Historic Site
2024-06-11 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Locals Food Hub & Pizza Pub, 863 Wilkinson Blvd., Frankfort, KY, 40601, United States
Get your “Slice of History” at Locals Food Hub & Pizza Pub!
Join Liberty Hall for Kentucky’s Civic Season in an evening of history trivia, food, and prizes! Locals Food Hub & Pizza Pub creates a gathering space where our community & visitors can come together around local food, while Liberty Hall nurtures personal connections to the past as a means of civic engagement. The two partnered together to offer you your own Slice of History, so come on down to Locals for a slice of free pizza and trivia fun!

What's the link between education and incarceration?
2024-06-15 00:00 UTC | GA
Sing Sing Prison Museum’s spring interns from Mercy University, Jelani Mitchell and Adriana Flores, present a series of videos and a podcast about Sing Sing Prison’s history. Jelani’s series of three 60 sec shorts each introduce us to a slice of Sing Sing history, in fun bite sized pieces. In her podcast, Adriana has an important conversation about education and incarceration with Mercy University’s Director of Academic Partnerships, Andy Baker. The Sing Sing Prison Museum’s mission is to share stories of incarceration and reform, past and present, and to bring people together to imagine and create a more just society. To learn more, visit: singsingprisonmuseum.org

Penn Museum Juneteenth Celebration
2024-06-15 10:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, United States
Bring the whole family for a festival filled with joyful performance, live DJ sets, captivating storytelling, and hands-on activities for all ages. Support Black-owned businesses at a community marketplace or grab a bite from locally owned food trucks.
Advance registration is encouraged but not required. Walk up registration will be available.

Juneteenth Celebration in Tempe, Arizona
2024-06-16 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Arizona Heritage Center, 1300 N College Ave, Tempe, AZ, 85288, United States
Please join us to recognize the impact of Black communities in Arizona with a Juneteenth Celebration. Community members will connect with each other and a variety of organizations representing historical societies, action groups, state resources, and the community at large. Guests are welcome to wander, discuss, and enjoy performances, activities, and food! Festivities will take place on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Entrance to this special event is free with a Free Admission Pass. Choose the Supporter Admission Pass option for $10 to support future programming of this kind.
The Arizona Heritage Center is located at 1300 N College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85288. We look forward to seeing you at the museum!

Wyoming State Museum Civic Season Festival!
2024-06-16 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Denver) | Wyoming State Museum, 714 W 20th St, Cheyenne, WY, 82001, United States
Join the Wyoming State Museum along with a collaborative of local and statewide organizations for a summertime celebration of who we are as a nation, how we got here and where we want to go next. On the main stage you’ll jam out to live music, enjoy an exuberant mini debate organized by Braver Angels, and hear inspiring stories about civic engagement.
Enjoy beer and food from Westby Edge Brewery, creative art projects, and hands-on activities to help you discover how your personal background and values give you the power to shape the future. It’s about gathering friends, having some fun, and amplifying our voices to create a Wyoming we’re all proud of.
3:00 PM – Cheyenne Fiddle Orchestra. Bob Matthews leads a group of young fiddlers through country classics.
4:00 PM – Braver Angels Mini Debate. Should there be age limits on politicians? What about social media regulations?
4:30 PM – How to do Civics. Learn how to find inspiration and discover your path to civic engagement.
5:00 PM – Samir Knox. Folk with a rock and roll heart.

Black in Alaska Juneteenth Event
2024-06-19 10:00 - 2024-06-20 10:00 (America/Juneau) | Anchorage Museum, 625 c st, Anchorage, AK, 99501, United States
Visit Black in Alaska, a multimedia project with interviews, photos and short videos profiling 50 Black Alaskans, now on view in the first-floor atrium. Participants are from all over the state and represent diverse backgrounds in age, gender and socioeconomic status. Through storytelling, this project aims to dismantle stereotypes and create a deeper connection between communities.
Join us as we recognize Juneteenth (June 19), the day commemorating of the ending of slavery in the United States. Admission is free thanks to support from Global Credit Union, Hotel Captain Cook, Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop, MTA Solutions, Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria, Bear Tooth Theatrepub & Grill and Broken Tooth Brewing.

“Fenómeno Latino: Latin Music’s Global Rise “ Festival and Concert
2024-06-22 11:00 - 2024-06-23 11:00 (America/New_York) | Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, Washington, DC, 20560, United States
“Fenómeno Latino: Latin Music’s Global Rise “
Saturday,June 22
· Family Festival: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza First Floor, West Wing
· Concert: 5 to 9 p.m.
Mall Terrace and Flag Hall, Second Floor, Center
This Summer Solstice daytime Family Festival will feature live music, dance lessons, a drum circle and Storytime activities. The evening activities will focus on the rise of Reggaetón from the urban underground to the global mainstream and feature live music, DJs, dance lessons and demonstrations, plus a conversation with scholars and practitioners, and a special display of objects.
That evening voter registration will also be availbale in celebration of Civic Season.
For a complete line up of artists will be available closer to the event on museum’s website.

Greensboro History Museum: Lifted Voices
2024-06-22 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Greensboro History Museum, 130 Summit Ave, Greensboro, NC, 27401, United States
Celebrate the season of civic engagement between Juneteenth and July Fourth at the Greensboro History Museum. On Saturday June 22, from 1-3 pm, living history interpreters will share stories from the NC Democracy: Eleven Elections exhibition.
Free, family-friendly program. Join us for history in first person.

A Slice of History: Eat Pizza and Explore Ancestral Spaces
2024-06-22 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Tudor Place Historic House & Garden, 1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC, 20007, United States
All 18-30 years old who enjoy pizza with your history: this event is for you!

Take a bite out of history with Tudor Place and explore a 19th century historic house at your own pace. Experience “Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place” that reimagines over 10 rooms and is a disruption to historic house convention. “Ancestral Spaces” recovers the erased histories of the site’s enslaved and free Black community, positions descendants as decision-makers and establishes a narrative focused on resistance and community-building. Hear about the making of this community-based exhibition that embraces restorative justice.

FREE

Bird Walk at Conner Prairie
2024-06-26 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Conner Prairie Trails, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN, 46038, United States
Experience birds and their habitats by taking a guided bird walk along the Trails at Conner Prairie. Beginner Bird walks are open to birders of all experience levels and will focus on identification strategies. This program is free with general admission. Please meet at the festival gates.

Read your way through Civic Season with DCPL
2025-05-06 00:00 UTC | GA
Get inspired by DC Public Library’s Civic Season reading list — packed with stories, sounds, and ideas to fuel your curiosity and action this Civic Season. Check it out and add something new to your queue!
Find reading lists for kids, teens, and adults.

Dance your way through Civic Season with DCPL's Playlist
2025-05-06 00:00 UTC | GA
It’s Civic Season – and the DC Public Library is here with a playlist of inspiring tunes to get you ready to show up!

Explore Online Collection of African American History
2025-05-12 15:26 UTC | Historic Alexandria, United States
From Parker Gray school photos to Black Lives Remembered protest objects, explore images and objects from Historic Alexandria that tell the story of our community.

Visible Hand Project
2025-05-27 00:00 UTC | GA
The Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University has launched the Visible Hand Project, which offers free, nonpartisan civic education to Utah Businesses and their employees.
Adam Smith’s invisible hand describes the unseen forces of self-interest that impact our free-market economy. While navigating these dynamics, business leaders can be among our state’s strongest civic leaders by not only choosing but also intentionally promoting civic wellness for the good of our community.
In many ways, employers are the leaders to mitigate these threats to American civic wellness, “since workplaces are the one place where all races, religions, and ages congregate and need to get along.” Businesses with civic-minded cultures influence employees in their personal lives by encouraging a mindset of bridging divides and fostering understanding.

Learners with Littles: American Heritage Activities for Parents & Kids
2025-05-27 00:00 UTC | Utah Valley University, 800 W University Pkwy, Orem, UT, 84658, United States
IN PERSON DURING SCHOOL YEAR. RESOURCES PROVIDED ONLINE AT ANY TIME.
Want to learn more about America’s heritage? Would it help to bring the kids while you learn?
DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR, join us for a monthly discussion series about American heritage on Utah Valley University campus for caregivers of children (or for those who don’t mind children in the background).
Adults complete 2–3 hours of reading in advance, then we discuss the assigned texts together as a group.
We start with 30 minutes of social time with a light brunch and then one hour to discuss the reading. Children will have a place to play and can choose coloring or craft activities. Caregivers will be responsible for their children.
Discussions facilitated by Eleesha Tucker, Constitutional Literacy Fellow in the Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University.
AT ANY TIME, use our resources to learn on your own, with accompanying activities and craft suggestions for your children! https://www.uvu.edu/ccs/learners_with_littles/info_and_materials.html

Civics Pavilion and "Wish Wall" in DC
2025-05-28 00:00 UTC | GA
July 4th, 2026 marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence — a piece of correspondence that birthed a nation. In that spirit, as we approach America’s big birthday, museums are inviting the public to share a wish for the future of our country and our democracy.
Now is your chance to make your voice heard.
For the first time, Civic Season is hosting a pop-up activation at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. From June 19 through July 4, from 12 to 4 PM Wednesday to Sunday, you can meet us in the Civics Pavilion to add your voice to the 28-foot “Wish Wall” inviting visions for America’s future.

Add Your Wish for America's Birthday to OnOur250th.org
2025-05-28 00:00 UTC | GA
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, join people across the country in shaping the future of our democracy. At OnOur250th.org, you’re invited to send a birthday wish to the nation.
What do you want the next chapter of America to look like? What values should guide us forward? Submit your wish online and add your voice to a collection of growing reflections and visions.
Visit OnOur250th.org to make your wish for America.

Race: Are We So Different? - Social Stratification Virtual Exhibit
2025-05-29 00:00 UTC | Museum of Us, 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA, CA, 92101, United States
The Museum of Us’ Race: Are We So Different? – Social Stratification virtual exhibit highlights how social stratification intersects with race to create significant impacts on how we experience our lives.

Story Book Trail: The Juneteenth Story by Alliah L. Agostini
2025-05-29 00:00 UTC | Liberty Hall Gardens, 202 Wilkinson St, Frankfort, KY, 40601, United States
June 13th- June 20th
This month we are featuring ‘The Juneteenth Story’ along our Story Book Trail! Stroll through our 200 year old gardens and learn about the story behind America’s newest federal holiday.

Summer 2025 ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition
2025-05-29 00:00 UTC | GA
The ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition aims to critically engage and amplify youth voices from all over the world in civic ideas and challenges. The competition seeks to find, spotlight, and reward promising future leaders through scholarship prizes and award recognition. For this cycle, the competition has zeroed in on the power of government, and what it means for a country to be “successful”.
Participation in the ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition offers the opportunity to join the ChallengeUS Future Leaders Network (global community of young changemakers), secure cash prizes that can be put towards educational and professional pursuits, and gain public recognition for exceptional work.

Community Dinners at Home Guide
2025-05-29 00:00 UTC | GA
Create your own Civic Season event with a guide to hosting fun and meaningful community meals at home! We’re sharing easy ways to plan gatherings with your neighbors so you can build stronger relationships with the people around you. The free downloadable guide includes simple menu ideas, suggestions for getting everyone involved, and lots of games and conversation starters to help break the ice and get to know one another better. Gather your community, share a meal, and talk face-to-face about everything from your favorite albums to how you can work together to make your neighborhood a better place.

Video Series About Seward's Civic Contributions
2025-05-29 00:00 UTC | GA
Join the Seward House Museum’s Education team as they explore difficult civics questions and relate possible answers to William Henry Seward’s political decisions. This eight-part Instagram series will offer bite-size analyses of big issue prompts and will be posted throughout Civic Season. Want to dive deeper into the impactful and still-relevant career of Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of State and the facilitator for the United States’ purchase of Alaska? Follow the Seward House Museum on Instagram and join the discussion!

This Constitution Podcast
2025-05-29 00:00 UTC | GA
This Constitution is an every-two-weeks podcast ordained and established by the Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University, the home of Utah’s Civic Thought & Leadership Initiative.
Co-hosted by Savannah Eccles Johnston and Matthew Brogdon, This Constitution equips listeners with the knowledge and insights to engage with the most pressing political questions of our time.
Season 2 | The Framers’ Answer to the Problem of Checks and Balances
Ep. 1 | Does the Separation of Powers Make Gov’t More Powerful?
Ep. 2 | State vs. Federal: How Identity Shapes American Democracy
Ep. 3 | Surviving the Senate: Executive Confirmations
Ep. 4 | Understanding the Shot Heard ‘Round the World
Ep. 5 | Judicial Confirmations: Checks, Balances, or Political Theater?
Ep. 6 | Executive Agreements vs. Treaties: Skirting the Constitution?
Season 1 | The Powers and Limits of the U.S. Presidency
Ep. 1 | Above the law? Executive Privilege and Presidential Immunity
Ep. 2 | An Elected Monarch? Creating the American Presidency
Ep. 3 | George Washington Builds the Presidency
Ep. 4 | Lincoln Saved the Union. Did He Violate the Constitution?
Ep. 5 | Where’s the Party? Presidential Selection Gone Wrong?
Ep. 6 | Is the Electoral College the Best We Can Do?
Ep. 7 | Ballots, Not Bullets: A 2024 Election Recap
Ep. 8 | Starting Wars or Just Finishing Them? POTUS as Commander in Chief
Ep. 9 | Who Needs Congress? POTUS as Chief Executive
Ep. 10 | Myth of the Modern Presidency: The Office Since T.R.
Ep. 11 | How to Thwart a Tyrant: Lincoln’s Lyceum Address
Season 1 Extra | Episode A | The Pursuit of Happiness
Season 1 Extra | Episode B | The Legacy of Mercy Otis Warren
Season 1 Extra | Episode C | Shakespeare and the U.S. Constitution
Season 1 Extra | Episode D | The Real Truth about Judicial Review
Listen on:
– Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-constitution/id1771900485
– Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IQCq5DUPWlImiAdc4t3pf?si=723435510f5b4099&nd=1&dlsi=ae1309e10ed5447a
– Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2408337
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRJTOv4HmafJWaCUdsaDZqm4tZKcr6OIg

Ann Arbor District Library's LGBTQ+ Walking Tour
2025-05-29 00:00 UTC | GA
This is an independent walking tour that can be done at any time.
The Ann Arbor District Library’s LGBTQ+ Walking Tour documents historical locations important to the queer community, pulling from interviews with community members in podcasts like AADL’S Gayest Generation, LGBTQ+ Washtenaw oral histories, and other archival collections. We heard from community members about their favorite hangouts over the decades, including bars, bookstores, and sites of political advancement for LGBTQ+ rights. This tour walks you through important locations, some of which have changed over the years and may no longer exist. As you visit each stop, consider the history made there, the activism and community building taking place in Ann Arbor today, and what you’d like our future to become.
