National Constitution Center

The NCC is excruciatingly evenhanded, for better or worse. Nearly every claim made comes with caveats and counterpoints. This is sometimes excessive, but on the whole, it is a welcome departure from the usual one-sidedness of contemporary historical sites, and the exhibits are clearly produced with input from scholars and from all sides of the political spectrum. It is, if anything, too careful in seeking balance, sometimes failing to make clear assertions about historical facts. But overall, that balance is welcome.

The arc of American history as described in the key exhibits is fundamentally a story of expanding individual rights. There is truth to that description, of course. But by minimizing the importance of constitutional structure, the NCC fails to inform visitors of significant departures from traditional constitutional practice beginning in the Progressive Era and continuing over the past century and beyond. In this sense, the constitutional narrative offered is neither a left-wing nor a right-wing narrative. It is overtly celebratory of our constitutional tradition (and in that sense does not embrace the left-wing narrative of corrupt origins), but it treats the Progressive turn as part of that tradition (and does not embrace the right-wing narrative of a radical departure from traditional constitutional practice). This is a defensible approach for a museum intended for general audiences and especially students, but it does leave out some crucial constitutional challenges. Biases have more to do with omission than commission, therefore.

The museum is designed and operated with school-aged children in mind above all, but it is plainly intended especially for middle- and high-school aged children and could be a challenge for younger children.

In terms of content, the museum offers parents helpful guidance about which exhibits are most appropriate for what ages, and for the most part this guidance seems accurate and well conceived. A temporary exhibit that touches on the abortion debate, for instance, is clearly marked for parents of younger children, and is easy for them to avoid.

Exhibits are relatively easy to follow, and children are prompted with useful questions and guideposts. The museum is often full of school-aged children who are largely engaged and enjoying themselves. But there is no helping the fact that the substantive content and subject will not naturally interest the youngest visitors.

The NCC is in the heart of historical Philadelphia, and so is easily reachable and a natural complement to a visit to Independence Hall and other familiar attractions. Note, however, that parking in the vicinity is a challenge.

The Constitution, one of the fundamental frameworks of American public life, is the organizing charter of our national government. Being an informed and engaged American citizen requires knowledge of the document, its history, its core ideas, and its importance. In this sense, a national museum of the Constitution is vitally needed. Such a museum should help Americans understand the history of our republic through a constitutional lens, but it should also help them grasp the structure of our system of government and the assumptions that underlie it. The American Constitution is built to facilitate the political life of a vast and diverse free society, and it does that especially by driving competing factions in our politics into structured processes of negotiation and accommodation. Appreciating this extraordinary service performed by our Constitution can help Americans appreciate the achievement that is our enduring system of government, and the reasons to sustain and strengthen it.

Owned By: National Constitution Center

Operated By: National Constitution Center

Government Funded: Yes