Amending America

Amending America

Date

Apr 08 2018 - May 27 2018
, 10AM- 5PM

Curated by The National Archives and Records Administration
On view at JMM from April 8, 2018 – May 28, 2018.

Primary sources are powerful tools for understanding the world we live in.  In a nation where public discourse is often reduced to squabbling among silos of contending pundits, what could be more critical to improving our understanding of both history and the present than the reintroduction of the original records of people and events. There is no greater repository of records than The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).  In Spring 2018 the Jewish Museum of Maryland will host a special exhibit developed by the National Archives which will inspire dialogue and conversation on constitutional law and civil rights.

On the 225th anniversary of the Bill of Rights, National Archives created this exhibit to both honor that milestone and serve as a tool for encouraging thoughtful debate and discussion of how our ancestors sought to create a more just society and how we do so today.  Using the rich sources available in NARA’s holdings, including records from the Constitutional Convention, Office of War Information, U.S. Senate, presidential libraries and others, this exhibit examines the process codified by our nation’s founding fathers for changing the U.S. Constitution and explores the various amendments that have been proposed over the course of more than two centuries. The exhibit highlights the unique nature of American government which allows its citizens to adapt and adjust legislation through the power of the amendment process. Viewing facsimiles of these original records, visitors will realize that many of the debates that dominate our news today were very contentious issues more than two centuries ago.

It is possible to amend the Constitution, but it’s not easy. Only 27 times – out of more than 11,000 tries – have Americans reached consensus to amend the Constitution. Amending America explores the history of constitutional amendments through petitions, landmark documents, political cartoons and interactive stations that address such issues as child labor, prayer in school, free speech, women’s rights, civil rights and more.

Beginning with the 1791 ratification of the Bill of Rights – the first 10 constitutional amendments – the exhibit documents the arduous process by which an amendment proposal becomes law. Highlighting such landmarks as the 13th amendment that abolished slavery and the 19th amendment that gave women the right to vote, Amending America provides visitors with opportunities to reflect on how governmental policies and societal attitudes have been shaped through the amendment process.

Photo of Exhibit on Display at JMM


Public Programs For Amending America: The Bill of Rights

When Law and Religion Collide
Sunday, April 8th at 1:00pm

The Woman’s Hour: How Maryland Women Almost Didn’t Get the Vote
Sunday, April 22nd at 1:00pm

Hamiltunes DC: a Hamilton Sing-a-Long
Sunday, April 22nd at 4:00pm

Jewish Justices of the Supreme Court, from Brandeis to Kagan
Sunday, April 29th at 1:00pm

The Intersection Between Justice and Faith
Sunday, May 6th at 1:00pm

Myth Vs. Reality: The Maryland Jew Bill in Historical Context
Wednesday, May 9th at 7:00pm

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Across the Generations
Thursday, May 17th at 6:30pm


This exhibition was created by the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. The national tour is presented in part by AT&T, History, Seedlings Foundation, and the National Archives Foundation.

The Baltimore installation of Amending America is made possible through the generous support of our lead sponsor, The Herbert Bearman Foundation.

Additional sponsors include:

Morris W. Offit
The Eliasberg Family Foundation
Middendorf Foundation
The David B. Liebman Philanthropic Fund
Morris L. Garten
The Baltimore City Foundation
The David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation
The John J. Leidy Foundation
Kramon & Graham and Jeffrey Scherr
Lois and Philip Macht Family Philanthropic Fund
Lowell Glazer
Paul M. Sandler in memory of Edward B. Sandler
Gordon Feinblatt, LLC and Abba Poliakoff
Simon E. Sobeloff Law Society
The Kaplan-Kronsberg Family Charitable Fund
Blades and Rosenfeld, P.A.
Miriam Winder Kelly


Help support exhibits, programs, and projects like this at the Jewish Museum of Maryland by making a gift online today!

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