This Monday, February 23rd, Merck has generously covered the admission for the first 1,000 people to enter into the National Constitution Center, which will also include their new exhibit America I Am. That’s a saving of $17.50!

There is a lot to do at the Center. Enjoy the 17 minute live narrated show Freedom Rising which celebrates “We the People.” Take the Oath of Office and make every day Kids Day. Sign the Constitution and have your certificate of authenticity emailed to your inbox.

And with America I Am, go and learn how African Americans have left an everlasting imprint on our country. Learn the story of the Buffalo Soldiers, glee at the “Godfather of Soul” James Brown’s concert gear and pay respects to the heroes of the Underground Railroad.

Come leave your own imprint on history. We’ve only just begun!

Free Admission to the National Constitution Center
This Monday, Feb 23rd
First 1,000 People / Doors Open @ 9AM

National Constitution Center
525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 409-6600
www.constitutioncenter.org

Photo by K. Ciappa for GPTMC

Ah, Inauguration Day. Obama fans have been waiting for this moment for ages (or at least since November 4), and even casual politicos are jumping at the chance to witness this historic moment.

Unfortunately, last we heard, tickets for this esteemed events are running a liiiittle bit pricey (upwards of $1000 a pop, last time we checked Craig’s List), so we propose an alternate plan. Instead of shelling out the dough to journey all the way to our nation’s capital (which will surely be mobbed anyway), why not spend the day at Philly’s own National Constitution Center, where more than 200 years ago, the signers of the Constitution chose America’s very first president.

On January 20th (today!), join the crowds in Old City as we swear in our 44th president, Mr. Barack Hussein Obama, and even partake in the festivities yourself, by taking the Oath of Office, or creating your own presidential seal. The Inauguration Day celebration is part of the ongoing America I Am exhibit at the NCC, so make sure to check that out as well, while witnessing history in the making.

Inauguration Day Celebration at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, January 20
525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 409-6700
www.constitutioncenter.org

Can’t make it to the mall in D.C for the inauguration? Join us at our mall where independence began! On January 20th, witness the first peaceful transfer of power in history as we reenact President Washington welcoming in John Adams as the second president of the United States inside Congress Hall.

Watch the confetti fly as we broadcast the presidential inauguration live on our jumbotron on the lawn of the Visitor Center. Free hot chocolate will be served to keep those fingers and toes warm, but if being a snowman wasn’t part of the plan, come inside and watch it on our Independence Ballroom located on the 2nd Floor.

And while inside, don’t forget to pick up your free Philly Presidential Pass, specially created in honor of the inauguration of President-Elect Obama, it provides discounts to the Betsy Ross House, the National Constitution Center and so much more!

For a full list of happenings in the historic area and beyond, log on to www.phillyinauguration.com

Live Screening on Jumbotron @ Visitor Center
11AM - 2PM
6th & Market, Philadelphia, PA

Reenactment of Washington & Adams at Congress Hall
10AM & 3PM
5th & Chestnut, Philadelphia, PA

Looking to celebrate President-Elect Barack Obama’s inauguration but just don’t know exactly how? McGillin’s Olde Ale House in Center City, “Philadelphia’s oldest continually operating tavern”, has big plans for the big day. They’re celebrating in a style that Hawaii-native Obama would certainly approve of by throwing a luau in traditional Hawaiian style. Serving such culturally sensitive meals as Huli Huli Chicken, Macadamia Nut Crusted Coconut Shrimp, and Peachy Pork Roast Barbecue as well as preparing a whole mess of Hawaii-themed drinks (Blue Hawaiians, Red, White & Blue ‘Freedom Cocktails’, and the new ‘Obama Mama’ — a tropical concoction of rums and coconut), you’d be hard-pressed to find a better luau happening in Philly for the big day.

In case the mixed drink thing isn’t your scene, there’s a variety of tasty and refreshing American beers on tap (Stoudt’s American Pale Ale and Victory Hop Devil to name a few) and, unironically, ‘El Presidente’ bottles are available on the cheap for two bucks a piece. The party starts at 11 a.m. on Tuesday and doesn’t stop until 2 a.m. the next morning so you might want to take off of work… for a few days.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House
1310 Drury St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-5562
www.mcgillins.com

Photo by K. Ciappa for GPTMC

Starting mid-January and running straight through mid-May, the National Constitution Center in “the heart of historic Philadelphia” — we call it Olde City last I checked — will be running “America I Am“, a celebration of African-American’s contributions throughout history in the United States. Featuring not only a variety of famous artifacts such as Malcolm X’s personal diary and Koran but also an assortment of multimedia presentations showcasing famous African-American’s throughout U.S. history.

To kick off the months long event, the NCC will be hosting a weeks worth of events starting on Janurary 13th with “George McGovern on Abraham Lincoln.” The former U.S. Senator will be speaking about his new book (of the same title) and ushering in the weeks events which will culminate on Inauguration Day (Jan. 20th for all you ex-pats). And after you’re done exploring the exhibition and taking in a few events, why not contribute to what could be the “world’s largest recorded oral history project” by participating in an interactive video component? Let’s hope it doesn’t involve robots!

“America I Am” runs from Janurary 13th through May 12th at the National Constituion Center.

National Constitition Center
525 Arch Street, Philadelphia , PA 19106
(215) 409-6700
www.constitutioncenter.org