By Genet Soule – Paul Revere Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution—
MUNCIE, IN—Did you know that the DAR initiated the observance of Constitution Week in 1955? The National Society petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate September 17-23 of each year to the commemoration of the Constitution. Congress adopted the resolution and on August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915.
Refresh your knowledge of the Constitution – America’s most important document – at the second annual Constitution Week Lecture.
When: Wednesday, September 17, 6 p.m.
Where: Maring-Hunt Library, 2005 S. High Street, Muncie
What: Revising the Work of the Founders: The Reconstruction Era Constitutional Amendments
Civil War and Reconstruction Era scholar, Dr. Nicole Etcheson, Ball State University Alexander M. Bracken Distinguished Professor of History, will illuminate the historical context of the Reconstruction Era and lead a timely discussion on the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.
The Civil War caused Americans to believe the Founders’ work imperfect. They revised the Constitution, adding amendments to free enslaved people, granting them citizenship and rights, including the vote. Why did the post-Civil War generation write the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments and what are their intended and unintended consequences then and now?
This program is offered by the Paul Revere Chapter, DAR, Muncie Public Library, and the League of Women Voters Muncie-Delaware County. We are honored to commemorate the Constitution’s historical importance, encourage the study of the events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787, and to assist every citizen’s responsibility to protect, defend, and preserve the Constitution.
There will be time after Dr. Etcheson’s talk for civic dialogue and refreshments. The lecture is free and open to the public. For additional information visit the library website at www.munpl.org.
About the Daughters of the American Revolution
The Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization. DAR members are dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism in communities across the nation. DAR is the foremost advocate for the awareness, promotion, and celebration of Constitution Week (September 17-23). By fostering knowledge of, and appreciation for the Constitution and the inalienable rights it affords to all Americans, DAR helps to keep alive the memory of the men and women who secured our nation’s foundational liberties. For additional information about DAR visit dar.org.
