The Minnesota History Center welcome its Constitution and Bill of Rights display with special presentations and family events in April and May.
An Eighteenth Century Constitution in a 21st Century World? What Would the Founders Say?
Sat., 4/21, 2 p.m.
$15 ($10 MHS members). Reservations required; Purchase tickets online or by phone at 651-259-3015.
Join nationally recognized constitutional expert, historian Saul Cornell of Fordham University, for this intriguing lecture and discussion focused on what the Founders might have to say about the fact that the Constitution they created over 200 years ago is now the oldest working document of its kind on Earth. Could they have foreseen its longevity, and what might they think about the way an 18th-century Constitution operates in a 21st-century world they could never have imagined?
James Madison: An Evening with the Father of the Constitution
*EVENT IS SOLD OUT*
Thurs., 5/10, 7 p.m.
$15 ($10 MHS members).
James Madison, widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest contributors, if not the greatest contributor to the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, still remains one of the least well–known founders of the United States. Get to know this brilliant, witty, but elusive founder in an exclusive evening of conversation with the Father of the Constitution and fourth U.S. President, James Madison, as portrayed by John Douglas Hall, the official historical interpreter at Montpelier, Madison’s estate in Orange, Virginia.
Discover Madison’s thoughts on his tumultuous era, and on the creation of the document that founded our government and still protects our freedoms today. With a special introduction by Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice Alan Page.
The Foundation of Our Nation Family Day
Sat., 5/12, 12-4 p.m.
Free admission to the History Center!
Featuring:
-Salon and conversation with President James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution”, portrayed by John Douglas Hall, the official historical interpreter at Montpelier, Madison’s estate in Orange, Virginia. Learn from his perspective and reconnect to his values and the formative ideas that he acted on, as he finds himself “spinning back” to the story of the creation of the Constitution. The President will entertain your questions, curiosities and conundrums. (Presentations at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.; He will also be "receiving" guests from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for an informal Presidential salon.)
-Official Town Crier of Minneapolis, John Neitz, transforms the History Center into a colonial village, announcing events and activities throughout the day.
-Rollicking dance tunes and elegant airswith colonial music ensemble Scotch Cap.
-America Rocks! A Constitutional Medley performed by Youth Performance Company students.
-Constitutional themed displays by History Day students.
-History Player Dilemma: step back in time to a 1920 banquet with History Player Thomas Lyles and help him solve a crucial problem; how can African Americans best move forward to gain rights and equality in the face of prejudice and discrimination?
-Moot Court/Mock Trial Simulation presented by the Learning Law and Democracy Foundation.
-Citizenship Trivia - could you pass the U.S. Naturalization test?
-Checks & Balances art project - create a mobile with a “balanced” system of government.
-Photo ops with Uncle Sam, the Statue of Liberty, and the Goddess of Justice.
-“A Personal Perspective” - Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice, Paul Anderson portrays the esteemed Justice Loren W. Collins (Aug. 7, 1838 – Sept. 27, 1912) and answers questions about Minnesota’s first 50 years as a state.
History HiJinx: Checks and Balance Mobile
Mon., 5/28, 12-4 p.m.
Included with museum admission
This Memorial Day, create your own balanced system of government by making a Checks and Balance Mobile - an art activity for families inspired by the display of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Programs made possible by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on November 4, 2008. Administered by the Minnesota Historical Society..gif)
