Programs at the Center for the Constitution
The Center for the Constitution offers a variety of programs for various audiences. Programs vary by content, length, and audience. Most programs are provided at no cost to the participants.
Montpelier Weekend Seminars for Teachers
The Montpelier Weekend Seminars for teachers are fully funded for social studies educators thanks to the generosity of private donors. The Center has a limited number of scholarships available for teachers in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and California. Offered throughout the school year, programs begin on Friday evening, and adjourn on Sunday afternoon, maximizing the experience while minimizing time away from the classroom. Six courses are offered each year, each with a distinctive perspective on American constitutionalism. Teachers from other states are encouraged to apply to these programs and may be admitted if space is available.
We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
The Center for the Constitution is the Virginia state sponsor of the We the People program. We the People is a comprehensive civic education program that provides professional development and classroom resources for upper elementary, middle, and high school educators. The Center for the Constitution offers in-service seminars ranging from one hour introductions to full-day workshops, as well as week-long summer institutes on this curriculum. The We the People curriculum provides advanced educational opportunities for students.
National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of 
American History and Culture Workshops for School Teachers
The Center for the Constition will host two NEH Landmark Seminars on "James Madison and Constitutional Citizenship" in the 2011 NEH Landmarks of American History and Culture Workshops for School Teachers. These six-day summer programs for K-12 educators nationwide will take place at James Madison’s Montpelier in Orange, VA. Forty educators from across the country will participate in each Workshop, at no cost to themselves or their schools.
The Claude Moore Lecture, which began in 2007, is an annual address on the "state of the Constitution" in modern America and is intended to help focus public education, dialogue and policy on the urgent need of sustaining and perpetuating the constitutional foundation of our nation. Click here to read transcripts of the 2007 lecture by Dr. John J. Patrick and the 2008 lecture by George Will. The 2009 lecture was delivered by Jon Meacham and the 2010 survey on the State of Constitution.
Programs for Opinion Leaders
The Center for the Constitution has developed short programs for elected officials and will host members of the General Assembly of Virginia at a program this fall. We are also developing programs for members of the media and law enforcement officials. For more information on programs for opinion leaders, contact the Center at (540) 672-2728 ext. 200.
Programs in Partnership
In addition to programs we develop, the Center also works with other non-profit and private organizations to provide professional development for federal employees and state Supreme Court justices and elected officials. For more information on programs in partnership, contact the Center at (540) 672-2728 ext. 200.
Montpelier Teacher Retreats
In conjunction with a specific school system or combination of school districts, teachers can travel to Montpelier for one or more days of intense academic instruction focused on the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The Center will work closely with school district personnel to implement a program that meets the needs of the school district and fits within their school calendar. For more information on Montpelier Teacher Retreats, contact the Center at (540) 672-2728 ext. 200.
Other Educational Opportunities at Montpelier
In addition to educational opportunities at the Center for the Constitution, the Montpelier Archaeology Department is active year round, doing everything from conducting surveys on the property, to excavating various sites, to processing artifacts in the laboratory. It offers a number of exciting training programs including the week-long Archaeology Expeditions and the four- or five-week university field schools.
For information on student field trips, contact Christian Cotz, Student Education Coordinator, at (540) 672-2728 ext. 401.
