National Archives Celebrates Constitution Day
Press Release · Wednesday, September 9, 1998

Washington, DC

Press Release
September 9, 1998

National Archives Celebrates Constitution Day

WHO:

• Judge Norma Holloway Johnson of the U.S. District Court will preside as approximately 30 petitioners for United States citizenship take the oath of citizenship in front of the U.S. Constitution.

  Archivist of the United States John W. Carlin and the District Director of the Immigration and Naturalization Service will make remarks.

WHAT:

• An opportunity to celebrate the 211th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States with a swearing-in ceremony for new citizens in the National Archives Rotunda.

  Following the ceremony, the new citizens will be invited to make a free international phone call to a friend or relative, courtesy of Cellular One.

  THE PRESS IS INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY. Use the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, and set up by 9:45 A.M., as the ceremony begins promptly at 10 A.M.

  This will be a unique opportunity to film a naturalization ceremony in the Rotunda of the National Archives in front of the first and signature pages of the U.S. Constitution. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO ARTIFICIAL LIGHT WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE ROTUNDA.

WHEN AND WHERE:

• Thursday, September 17, 1998

  10 A.M.:

  • Naturalization ceremony in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building. The ceremony is open to petitioners and their families and members of the public who have obtained free tickets in advance.

  Noon - 8 P.M.:

  • The first and signature pages of the Constitution, on permanent display in the Rotunda of the National Archives, will be flanked by a joint services military honor guard. The changing of the guard will take place every 30 minutes. The Rotunda will remain open until 8 P.M. TODAY ONLY.

  1:00 P.M.-4:00p.m.

  • The Time Travelers.The American Historical Theatre will bring to life George Washington, the first President of our country, and James Madison, "the father of the Constitution." Visitors will have a chance to listen to and question Mr. Washington and Mr. Madison after they discuss the people’s dissatisfaction with the Articles of Confederation, Shays’ Rebellion, and what led to the Constitutional Convention. Rotunda.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.

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