National Constitution Center

A new home.

January 31, 2022

And a ’50-ton’ move.

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The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia announced that a 50-ton marble tablet, engraved with the 45 words of the First Amendment, has been moved successfully 150 miles from the former Newseum façade.

• The tablet now spans a 100-foot-wide wall on the Center’s Grand Hall Overlook.

An unveiling ceremony will be held this spring, along with a First Amendment symposium featuring leading experts and scholars.

The tablet, made of Tennessee pink marble, was engraved and erected in 2007 at the Newseum’s former home at 555 Pennsylvania Ave., and it was seen for years during the opening of ABC’s “This Week.”

• After the museum closed in 2019, the Freedom Forum donated the tablet to the National Constitution Center.

[AXIOS]

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

I was able to visit the NEWSEUM in DC shortly before they permanently closed their doors due to a financial shortfall. It was spectacular and inspiring; I spent two full days exploring the exhibits, while wondering again and again how such an important and needed tapestry of history could be closing. Perhaps more exhibits will be shared, like this spectacular and poignant marble tablet. -dayle