"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
- Martin Luther King Jr.
The National Constitution Center honors Martin Luther King Jr.’s lifelong dedication to justice, equality, and service for the greater good.
The museum is open for extended hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20, 2025, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is free.
Programs at the Museum
School Supplies Drive
10 a.m.–5 p.m., Grand Hall Lobby
In the spirit of service emulated by Martin Luther King Jr., the National Constitution Center is organizing the donation of books and school supplies for Philadelphia school students. Donations of newly purchased school supplies, including pens, pencils, crayons, copy paper, hand sanitizer, and folders, as well as age-appropriate books, can be dropped off at the Center throughout January and will be donated to the School District of Philadelphia. Visitors who donate will receive tickets to the Franklin Square Carousel, courtesy of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (tickets limited).
Arts and Crafts Activity Tables
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Grand Hall Lobby
Create community-based craft projects that explore Martin Luther King Jr.’s core beliefs of peace, justice, and equality, while sharing the changes that you want to see in the world!
Artifact Spotlight: March on Washington Pennant
10:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m., First Amendment Exhibit
Explore the First Amendment through the lens of one the most influential demonstrations in our nation’s history: The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Listen to the stories of civil rights organizations and activists that used their voice and agency to advocate for justice, domestic tranquility, and the general welfare of millions of disenfranchised Americans. We’ll look at special artifacts, including a March on Washington pennant carried by the participants that day.
Screening of the Presidential Inauguration
11 a.m.–2 p.m., John. C. Bogle Chairman’s Room
Did you know the day and time of the inauguration, and even the words of the presidential oath of office, are all constitutional requirements? Join us for a screening of the inauguration and see the Constitution in action.
Reading of “I Have a Dream” Speech
11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., Grand Hall Overlook, Second Floor
A diverse ensemble of local actors perform a passionate reading of Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Family Concert: Songs Inspired by the Civil Rights Era
12:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., Kirby Auditorium
David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans of the interactive children’s music group, Two of a Kind, join composer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and educator Rodney Whittenberg for a celebration of songs inspired by the civil rights era.
Quiet Room and Story Corner
10 a.m.–5 p.m., Freedom Classroom, First Floor
Enjoy a quiet space to relax, color, or read beloved books about Martin Luther King Jr. Day, like Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King by Jean Marzollo.
Online Resources
Video: The Civil Rights Movement With Hasan Kwame Jeffries
In this previously recorded live class, Hasan Kwame Jeffries, associate professor of history at The Ohio State University, joins Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen, to explore the Civil Rights Movement.
Video: Performance of "I Have a Dream" Speech
View a clip of a powerful performance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, read by a volunteer cast of students and actors at the National Constitution Center. Read the speech in its entirety here, and then learn more on our blog, Constitution Daily.
Interactive Constitution: Classroom Edition Learning Materials
Browse our collection of educational resources for video lessons and recordings of previous live classes, plus links to podcasts, blog posts, Interactive Constitution essays, and more. Great topics for Martin Luther King Jr. Day include:
Crafts and Activities
- “I Have a Dream” Mobiles
- Civics in Literature Lesson: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
