Since 2005, our We the People Constitution Tours have helped more than 25,000 students discover how the Constitution comes alive in our nation’s capital.
Each year, we welcome students from Title I schools in Washington, D.C. to explore historic sites including the U.S. Capitol, the National Archives, the George Mason Memorial, and The People’s House, an interactive White House experience. Along the way, students gain a deeper understanding of citizenship, civic engagement, and their role in our democracy.
Note: “We the People” Constitution Tours are funded exclusively for students from D.C. Title I schools.
Register your class!
To register your classroom for this enriching educational tour, please contact us or fill out the form below:
Tour Stops
The "We the People" Constitution Tour is designed to improve students' understanding of the U.S. Constitution through hands-on learning at historical sites in Washington, D.C. Each stop covers a specific aspect of the Constitution and the American political system:
George Mason Memorial
As the "father of the Bill of Rights," George Mason's memorial is the starting point for our tour about constitutional rights and guarantees.
National Archives
Students can view the original Constitution and Bill of Rights, allowing them to connect with these documents first-hand.
The United States Capitol
Representing the legislative branch, the Capitol provides a backdrop for learning about Congress and the law-making process.
The People’s House: A White House Experience
This site represents the executive branch and provides insights into the presidency and the execution of our laws.
The Old Supreme Court Chamber
As the highest court in the United States, this stop highlights the judicial branch and the role of the courts in interpreting the law.
By the end of the tour, students have a well-rounded understanding of the Constitution's practical applications and the importance of each citizen's role within the democratic framework of the United States. The tour includes a complimentary lunch and transportation.
Tour Impact
Here is how our tour makes a difference:
- Students who said they would vote upon turning 18 increased from 55% before the tour to 67% after the tour.
- Students who say they will or might run for student government increased from 17% before the tour to 46% after the tour.
- Students who said they would or might run for public office increased from 42% before the tour to 55% after the tour.
- Most telling, 86% of teachers who went on our tour believed it would encourage their students to be more involved in public service.
percentage of students who say they will or might run for student government:
percentage of students who said they will or might run for public office:
percentage of students who said they will vote upon turning 18:
Join Us in Empowering the Next Generation!
The increasing demand for our tour underscores the urgent need for ongoing civics and history education, especially in light of the recent National Assessment of Educational Progress findings. This report shows that just 13% of 8th graders nationwide are proficient in history, and only 22% are proficient in civics. Clearly, education is a top priority nationwide. However, we must also address the fact that these findings represent a decline in proficiency over recent years, posing a challenge to future civic engagement.
As our program grows, your feedback, insights, and involvement are invaluable. Together, we can empower a generation that is not only well-educated but also deeply committed to the health of our democracy.
Only 22% of our nation’s 8th graders are proficient in civics
13% of our nation’s 8th graders are proficient in history
Based on the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) civics assessment.
Connect With Us
Phone: 202-543-8919 ext. 20
Email: FBell@uschs.org
Phone: 202-543-8919 ext. 22
Email: edenyer@uschs.org
Sign-up for updates
Don't miss out on our teacher-focused updates and invitations to workshops! If you're a teacher, register today to stay informed. Know a teacher? Share our newsletter with them so they can join our community too!
- Be the first to know about upcoming events, workshops, and seminars.
- Get exclusive access to new resources and teaching materials.
- Receive insights and tips to make history even more engaging in your classroom.
Live Distance Learning Sessions
In addition to the resources of the hub, teachers may schedule a virtual classroom session with educators at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, the White House Visitor Center, and the George Mason Memorial. Interested in scheduling a live session for your classroom?
Live classroom sessions with the National Archives are available through an existing program:
Registration Form:
If you are a middle-school teacher, We the People educators would love to schedule a live session with your classroom! Please fill out the contact form below and our scheduler will be in touch with you.
About the United States Capitol Historical Society:
For more than 60 years, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society has proudly worked to preserve and share the history of the Capitol, the Congress, and the people who work therein. As a nonpartisan, educational 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Society was chartered by Congress in 1978, in part, “to foster and increase an informed patriotism.” In service of this mission, the Society conducts historical tours of the Capitol Building, hosts both virtual and in-person public history programming, publishes scholarly research in various aspects of Capitol History, coordinates an open-access civics education digital resource hub, manages a renowned civics education field trip program for D.C. public school students, and commissions works of fine art for the Capitol collections.
About our Sponsors:
The We the People Constitution Program is made possible by:
- The Brown Rudnick Charitable Foundation
- International Paper
- The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
- The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
- The James Agrippa Morrill Memorial Fund
- Several anonymous individuals and foundations
The We the People Consortium Partners:
Participants in the Hub, virtual tours, and in-person tours include:
The National Archives and Records Administration- The National Park Service
- Restaurant Associates
- USA Guided Tours
- Children’s Concierge
- USA Guided Tours
- The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
- The White House Historical Association
- The White House Visitor Center
- The Supreme Court Historical Society
