Celebrate Constitution Week at the Chappaqua Library

Celebrate Constitution Week! Each year, September 17–23 is recognized as Constitution Week, encouraging Americans to learn more about the Constitution, the freedoms and responsibilities it protects, and the role citizens play in our system of government.

The Polly Cooper Chapter, a local chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), installed a Constitution Week display at the Chappaqua Library (195 South Greeley Avenue, Chappaqua, NY) in recognition of the annual observance. Visitors will learn about Constitution Week and can pick-up a free pocket Constitution containing the text of both the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. The Polly Cooper Chapter is grateful to the Chappaqua Library for providing space for the display and helping bring greater awareness to this important chapter in U.S. history.

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The U.S. Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, eleven years after the Declaration of Independence. Those years made it clear that securing independence was only the beginning; the new nation also needed a strong and lasting framework for government. The Constitution established that framework, creating three branches of government, a system of checks and balances, and a process for change through amendments.

The Daughters of the American Revolution helped make this national observance possible. In 1955, the service organization petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate September 17–23 annually to the commemoration of Constitution Week. Congress adopted the resolution, and on August 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915.

The observance has three goals: to encourage the study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787; to remind the public of the Constitution's place in America's heritage and system of government; and to emphasize citizens' responsibility to protect, defend, and preserve the U.S. Constitution.

Nearly 240 years after it was signed, the Constitution continues to shape our everyday lives. As the nation commemorates America's 250th anniversary, Constitution Week also provides an opportunity to reflect on the men and women who fought and served to create an independent nation—and on the system of government that emerged in the years that followed.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), a nonprofit, nonpolitical women's service organization, was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. With nearly 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest volunteer women's service organizations. To learn more about the work of Today's DAR, visit dar.org.

To learn more about the Polly Cooper Chapter's activities or inquire about DAR membership, please email info@pollycooperdar.org.