Pennsylvania’s historic role in shaping religious liberty and constitutional democracy takes center stage as scholars examine the legacy of William Penn’s “Holy Experiment.” The program celebrated the opening of Pennsylvania’s Founding: How a City and a Colony Shaped America’s DNA, a special exhibition at the National Constitution Center developed in partnership with Drexel University and curated by Drexel’s Lenfest Center for Cultural Partnerships and Atwater Kent Collection.
Scholars Explore Pennsylvania’s Founding Vision
University of Pennsylvania Professor Marci Hamilton and St. Joseph’s University Professor Emeritus Randall Miller analyzed how Pennsylvania’s founding shaped the nation’s understanding of religious liberty. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderated the program. The discussion examined what Penn’s vision achieved, where it fell short, and how those lessons apply to modern constitutional democracy.
Exhibition Opens at National Constitution Center
The academic program celebrated the opening of “Pennsylvania’s Founding: How a City and a Colony Shaped America’s DNA,” a special exhibition at the National Constitution Center. Drexel University developed the exhibition in partnership with the Center. Drexel’s Lenfest Center for Cultural Partnerships and the Atwater Kent Collection curated the materials on display.
Scholars and Experts Contribute to the Project
Marci Hamilton serves as professor of practice in the Department of Political Science and Fox Family Pavilion Non-resident Senior Fellow at Penn. She also leads CHILD USA as founder and CEO. Randall M. Miller brings decades of scholarship as co-editor of “Pennsylvania: A History of the Commonwealth” and served as an advising scholar for the new exhibition. Julie Silverbrook leads nonpartisan educational initiatives and civil dialogue programs at the Constitution Center.
Who Developed and Moderated the Exhibition?
What institutions developed the special exhibition?
The National Constitution Center developed the exhibition in partnership with Drexel University. Drexel’s Lenfest Center for Cultural Partnerships and the Atwater Kent Collection curated the materials.
Who moderated the founding discussion panel?
Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderated the public program.
Upcoming Constitution Center Programs
The National Constitution Center continues its public programming series with forthcoming live events. Participants can view updates through @ConstitutionCtr on social media and subscribe to Constitution Weekly for ongoing constitutional news and debate.
