Feb 13, 2026 - Culture

America's founding takes center stage in new exhibit

Mike D'Onofrio

Wooden replica of an old printing press with a protected historic document on display beneath it, surrounded by vintage paper texts on the walls. — How many chances are you going to have to see an original printing of the U.S. Constitution? Photo: Julia Lehman-McTigue/National Constitution Center

Take a deep dive into America's founding at the National Constitution Center's newest exhibit opening today.

Why it matters: It's one of the many museum exhibitions and big events tied to the yearlong celebration of the nation's 250th birthday.

📜 1 rare thing: The exhibit, dubbed "America's Founding," features a first-edition printing of the Constitution from 1787.

It's one of roughly a dozen known to exist.

What they're saying: Theresa Altieri, senior registrar and archivist for the constitution center, was among the few to help unpack and prepare the museum's copy of the Constitution this week.

The process of working with the historic document, she tells Axios, was both surreal, stressful and a once-in-career opportunity.
"I was in awe when I opened it," she said. "How many people get to handle this specific copy or any of the other copies that exist?"

What else: The new galleries include interactive experiences that explore the debates, protests and conflicts leading up to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Freebie: Admission is free on Monday for President's Day.

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America's founding takes center stage in new exhibit

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