Constitution Day  •  September 17, 2026  •  America's 250th

In the Room
Where It Happened

A Look at the Constitution Then & Now
Two hundred fifty years ago, American self-government was argued into being in rooms full of disagreement and consequence. On Constitution Day, take your seat in one — an evening with Nevada judges, legal scholars, and civic leaders on where the Constitution came from and what it asks of us now.
Date
Thursday, September 17
Constitution Day, 2026
Time
5:00 p.m.
Mixer 5:00–5:30
Panel begins 5:30
Location
Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce
Admission
Complimentary
Food & beverage hosted by the Chamber

The Evening

This is not a history lesson. It is an invitation to sit in the room.

From the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention to the Federalist Papers, our panel traces the ideas that built the country — then turns to how those principles actually operate today in Nevada's courtrooms, council chambers, and boardrooms.

The conversation will be built around questions like these:

  • How did we get from the America of 250 years ago to the America of today?
  • What does the Constitution look like in practice — right now?
  • Which founding principles are most tested by modern challenges?
  • What will it take to ready the next generation for their turn in the room?

Nevada judges, legal scholars & civic leaders

A moderated discussion bringing together respected voices from our judiciary and scholars from our community.

Panelists announced soon
Moderated by Christine Hull
Nevada Center for Civic Engagement
Also that evening

Nevada's National Civics Bee Kickoff

This program officially launches the National Civics Bee in Nevada — a free competition for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Students write four short answers: imagine a change that would improve their school or community, describe how they would bring it to life, find the people who could help, and connect the idea back to the principles the country was founded on.

Public, private, charter, and homeschool students are all eligible, at no cost. Top essays advance to live regional Bees, then state finals, then a national championship in Washington, D.C.

Sept 7, 2026
Essay portal opens
Feb 2, 2027
Essay deadline
Mar–May 2027
Regional Bees
May–Jul 2027
State finals

Constitution Day Teaching Resources

Every school that receives federal funds is required to observe Constitution Day

Federal law requires each educational institution receiving federal funds to hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 each year. When September 17 falls on a weekend or holiday, the program may be held the preceding or following week.

September 17, 2026 falls on a Thursday — so the exception does not apply this year. Everything below is free.

If you have one class period
Primary sources & the document itself
Full curricula & units
Nevada programs — bring it into your classroom all year
Toward the Nevada Seal of Civics
The requirement itself
No resources match that grade band. Try another filter.
Presented in partnership by
Reno + Sparks Chamber of CommerceAmerica 250 NevadaTom Clark SolutionsNevada Center for Civic Engagement
A nonpartisan civic education event marking the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding.