Back home the Museum is on Pacific Standard Time with our Drawing the Line exhibition opening on October 15th but we also have some very exciting news to report from the Eastern Time Zone. Fighting for Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We the People?” is now at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia and I’m thrilled to report that it looks fantastic in such a wonderful institution. 
With Fighting for Democracy’s stop in Philadelphia, this project of JANM’s National Center for the Preservation of Democracy has now traveled to seven cities across the country. There’s something significant about seeing this exhibition just a short walk from Independence Hall, where the Constitution was signed in 1787. I think its presence in this location and in this city will have visitors reflecting a lot about the “Who is the “We” in We the People?” question. Hmmmm… who was that “We” back in 1787? Who has it been over the course of history? Who it is now?
Our friends at the National Constitution Center have done such impressive things with the exhibition. In addition to a fantastic display, they have also created an incredible theatrical performance to go along with the show.
I’ve had the privilege of spending a lot of time with this exhibition at JANM over the years and yet, the actors portraying Bill, Carl, Domingo, Frances, George, Hazel, and Hector moved me to tears as they made me see these extraordinary lives in an entirely new way. It is so exciting to know that school groups and visitors in Philadelphia will be able to enhance their experience of Fighting for Democracy with these performances.
This week’s opening events have been extra special for everyone because Domingo Los Banos, who is featured in the exhibition flew out to Philadelphia all the way from Hawai’i to be at the opening. Domingo is an inspiration to many and it is always so wonderful to see him and witness his energy and spirited storytelling.
If you find yourself anywhere near Philadelphia between now and January 16, 2012, don’t miss the chance to visit the National Constitution Center and see JANM on the road! (Of course, we always welcome school groups to make an appointment to visit the exhibition at the Museum in Los Angeles too!)
