2023 Three Branches Institute

United States Capitol Historical Society

July 25, 2023
2-4pm ET
Virtual Workshop (July 25th, 26th, and 27th)

July 25th, 26th, and 27th, from 2-4pm ET

*Registration for this event is closed.

Are you a U.S. history and civics educator seeking Professional Development hours? Would you like to facilitate nuanced discussions on significant historical events and current issues in your classroom? If so, we invite you to join the 2023 Virtual Three Branches Institute! Join us for three days of immersive virtual learning. This free program is brought to you by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, the White House Historical Association, the Supreme Court Historical Society, and the National Archives and Records Administration. At the Institute, you have the opportunity to explore a wealth of new educational resources and connect with fellow educators.

Our theme for this year’s program is “Voices During Conflict,” which focuses on three key periods in U.S. history: the Civil War & Reconstruction, the internment of Americans of Japanese descent during World War II, and the Vietnam War.

Each day, one branch of government will lead a discussion exploring the checks and balances imposed upon it by the other two branches during times of strife and war. Additionally, the program will analyze how the grassroots voices and activism of “We The People” shape and respond to actions taken by the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches. By participating in this Institute, you gain fresh insights and teaching strategies for incorporating the three branches of government into your classroom curriculum.

The registration deadline is July 19th at 11:59 pm ET for live attendance. Session recordings and materials will be provided asynchronously to all registrants. Register for free or share this opportunity with a teacher you know.

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Want to Support Civic Education?

We believe that every student deserves an education about our nation’s history, that inspires them to be the best citizens they can be, no matter their background. Our “We the People” Constitution Tours™ provide immersive educational experiences for eighth-grade students from D.C. Title I schools, ensuring that students from historically underserved communities can explore the foundations of our democracy firsthand. During the program, students visit important sites related to the Constitution including the George Mason Memorial, the National Archives, the U.S. Capitol Building, and The People’s House: A White House Experience. As the cost of providing these tours continues to rise, your donation will help cover essential expenses, including transportation, lunches, knowledgeable tour guides, and educational materials.

A $111 donation covers all expenses for one student, covering all costs associated with the tour.
$325 provides lunches for 25 students during their trip, ensuring they stay energized and engaged.
A donation of $3,880 will sponsor an entire trip for one class.

“We the People,” speaks to the freedoms and responsibilities inherent in the Constitution of the United States of America. For Jim and me, it has been of the greatest importance that all citizens have an understanding of the democratic process and rule of law in order to be active participants in the form of self-governance laid out by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I believe that my support in Jim’s name of the “We the People” tours is essential for the future of our country.

– Mrs. Penny Morrill on why she supports the “We the People” Constitution Tours

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Support Civic Education in 2025

Join us in our mission to educate, inspire, and encourage informed civic participation. By becoming an annual member, your support funds vital programs such as the ‘We the People’ Constitution Tour for DC students, free resources and lesson plans for teachers, and our series engaging virtual and in-person public history events. Together, we will preserve Congress’s history and empower citizens to influence the future of our democracy.

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Help preserve and share the history of democracy with a year-end donation! Join as a member today and enjoy unique benefits—all while contributing to our mission of preserving history and promoting civic education.

Donations received by midnight tonight or checks postmarked on or before December 31, 2024, will be applied to the 2024 tax year.