PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Visitors and Philadelphians alike celebrated Presidents Day at the National Constitution Center, learning about the history made by our nation’s 45 leaders.
An actor portraying Abraham Lincoln greeted visitors taking advantage of the Constitution Center’s free admission Monday.
“We have a government that is of the people, by the people and for the people,” said the reenactor, who declined to divulge his name.
Helen Gallagher, a sixth grader from Milford, Connecticut, recognized the 16th president.
Helen Gallagher, a sixth grader from Milford, Connecticut, recognized the 16th president.
“You think of it as, like, something old that happened a long time ago. But then it’s cool to see it live and in person,” she said.
Helen’s mom, Traci Gallagher, said their visit was a good reminder of our nation’s history.
“I think we are very caught up in how divisive our country is right now, and we have a long and interesting history,” Traci said.
Gallagher’s niece Sinead Donnelly appreciated the actors playing Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt.
“Living in Philadelphia, all the history is all around us every day,” Donnelly said, “but having presidents on Presidents Day, it’s pretty cool, pretty interesting to learn about them and see them.”
Jenna Kehres, the center’s associate vice president of museum experience, said the day is an opportunity to remind visitors that “We, the People” elect presidents.
“We think the presidency has such a rich history, starting with the Constitutional Convention and the debates surrounding the presidency, and then Article II, which kind of frames it,” Kehres said. “It’s really a day to celebrate all aspects of the presidency.”