American Founders Month and Constitution Week

American Founders Month: September

Constitution Day: September 17

Constitution Week: September 17 - 23

Celebrate Freedom Week: Last full week in September

Constitution Week is the commemoration of America's most important document. It is celebrated annually during the week of September 17-23. The United States Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights. The United States of America will celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026!

This celebration of the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1955, DAR* petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23, annually, to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Education Resources

Library of Congress

• Constitution of the United States: Primary Documents in American History
• Constitution: Teacher’s Guide and Classroom Materials

National Archives

• America’s Founding Documents
• Observing Constitution Day
• Celebrating Constitution Day

National Constitution Center

• Constitution Day Lessons and Celebration Resources
• Introduction to the Founding Fathers

Bill of Rights Institute

• Constitution Day Lesson Plans
• Constitution of the United States of America (Text and Resources)

U.S. Department of Education

• Commemorating Constitution Day

Florida Department of Education

• American Founders’ Month & Celebrate Freedom Week

Daughters of the American Revolution

•  K-12 Lesson Plans for Constitution Day and Week

Fun Facts

• The Constitution was written in the Pennsylvania State House where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where George Washington received his commission as Commander of the Army. It is now called Independence Hall.
• Written in 1787, the Constitution was signed on September 17th, but it wasn't until 1788 that it was ratified by the necessary nine states.
• The U.S. Constitution was prepared in secret, behind locked doors that were guarded by sentries.
• The Constitution was placed with the Department of State in 1789 and stayed in its custody until 1921, when it was transferred to the Library of Congress. It was exhibited there from 1924 until 1954, when it came to the National Archives. The original Constitution is now on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Constitution Conversation Video Series

Section 683.1455, Florida Statutes (F.S.), designates the month of September annually as “American Founders' Month.” Section 1003.44, F.S., encourages public schools to coordinate instruction at all grade levels related to the nation’s founders.

Florida Statute Section 1003.421, F.S., requires public school districts to commemorate the founding principles of our nation during the last full week of September. This week should include an in-depth study of the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and other founding documents.

Required Instruction: Section 1003.42 (2)(b) The history, meaning, significance, and effect of the provisions of the Constitution of the United States and amendments thereto, with emphasis on each of the 10 amendments that make up the Bill of Rights and how the constitution provides the structure of our government.