We the People

by Susan Zehnder, Education Director

In 2004, the United States Congress passed 36 U.S. Code § 106  which recognized September 17^th as Constitution and Citizenship Day. The purpose was to promote literacy and understanding of the American constitution.  While not a federal holiday, the law asks “each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year (to) hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution.”

Does it count if we started things in July? On the 3^rd of that month, CCHS held a community event at the Clemens Center to increase awareness of an oft quoted and important historical document. We called it the Constitution Read because that’s what took place: community members read aloud the entire constitution. We had invited anyone interested in reading, and available to join us, asking that they were 14 years old and up (future voters in four years) and that no one wore political buttons, hats, or t-shirts to the event. 45 community members signed up. Everything went smoothly. We were grateful to the Clemens Center staff and volunteers for helping us and to the audience of readers, friends, and family who stayed to listen. Reading the entire document, all 7,686 words, took an hour. When a section of the document had been changed or amended, we let everyone know by holding up a sign. The event was filmed and many readers shared that it was their first time hearing the whole thing, and asked when we would do it again. In the months since, groups from two southern states have contacted us wanting to know how they could do something similar.

Constitution Read event

Recognizing the importance of the constitution by having a special day was the brainchild of Louise Leigh. Born in 1914 in Gloversville, NY, she moved to Southern California to work as a medical technologist. Leigh became politically active with Republican causes and was appointed Presidential Elector, Delegate to two National Republican conventions, and served as the California Republican Assembly Historian. When she retired from her medical work in 1997, she taught English to immigrants, tutored children, and started a campaign to improve constitutional literacy. Her work was recognized and honored by various political and civic organizations including the Southern Division Federated Republican Women, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the National Center for Constitutional Studies.

In October, CCHS will continue to do our part to promote constitutional literacy. Starting October 3^rd, until November 15^th, we are hosting Voices and Votes: Democracy in America from the Smithsonian Institute's Traveling Exhibition Services. It is a detailed look at some of the complex issues surrounding our country’s vision and understanding of democracy. To go along with it, our Senior Curator and Archivist have put together an exhibit connecting local and national issues. We also have programs to share more information about the exhibit and the topic in general. On October 8^th at noon, CCHS staff will talk about hosting the exhibit. On October 21^st at 7 pm, Dr. Danny Lempert, a former political science professor and current Cornell University law student, will be speaking on “The Voting Rights Act of 1965: Past, Present, and Future.” On the evening of October 23^rd, we are running a game night using materials from the exhibit to spark community conversations. On November 12^th, at noon, members of the Chemung County Board of Elections will be sharing a behind the scenes look at what they do. Inspired by the exhibit, we are working with the Arnot Art Museum and holding a Vote! poster contest. Poster submissions are due in December and more details can be found in our exhibit and on our website. And not to be left out, all Elmira City School District first graders will again be creating flags to hang on display in our museum.  

Flags from last year's First Graders

The film recorded at the Constitution Read will also be showing in the galleries. We invite everyone to come explore the exhibit, participate in discussions, and try out the games. What does it mean to vote? Whose voices are heard? Who is an American? We may not all agree on the answers, but asking the questions offers us a chance to better understand our country and each other: we ARE the people of this great country.

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America will be on display to the public October 3 – November 15^th Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. To get the latest CCHS information, sign up for our e-newsletter by writing to CCHS@ChemungValleyMuseum.org for more information.