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Celebrate more than 200 years of presidential history at the National Constitution Center this Presidents' Day Weekend, February 18-20. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

Plenty of people have ideas about how to run our country. But how many of us really know what it takes to be America’s commander-in-chief?

The National Constitution Center can clue you in, with several programs that reflect on 200 years of the American presidency, running February 18-20.

You can chat up a couple of our most famous leaders, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson, who’ll be there in person, as portrayed by talented reenactors. There will be fun activities where kids can create presidential masks, hats, campaign buttons and even a model White House.

Other weekend programs include:

• How to Be President: 101: An interactive program that delves into important presidential duties such as signing and vetoing legislation; less stressful traditions, such as pardoning a turkey on Thanksgiving; and perks of being our top leader, like flying on Air Force One. Daily at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.

• Behind Every Great President: This one puts our First Ladies front and center. You’ll learn how some of these women played active roles as speechwriters and policy advisors while others were dedicated to charitable and humanitarian efforts. Daily at 12:15 and 2:15 p.m.

• Growing Up, President Style: Get the inside scoop on what childhood was like for George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Then step into their shoes, and coats, by dressing up as a famous American President. Daily at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.

• Presidential Tour: A special tour of the Center’s main exhibition where you’ll find out why we call Andrew Jackson “The Common Man’s President” and how Franklin Roosevelt’s “First Hundred Days” still matter today. Exhibits feature presidential artifacts, including Teddy Roosevelt’s shaving kit, FDR’s famous fedora, Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan’s jellybean jar. Very cool beans. Daily at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

All activities are free with regular admission.

Presidents’ Day Weekend at the NCC
When: February 18-20
Where: 525 Arch Street
Cost: Free with admission
More info: www.constitutioncenter.org