America 250 Series presented by Xfinity: Constitution Day
Let’s celebrate democracy!
One of the founding documents of the United States of America – The Constitution – is “the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in force in the world.”
The Historic Trust and League of Women Voters of Clark County are partnering on a free, multi-generational public civic engagement event highlighting the history of the Constitution and how it impacts everyday life in the United States.
Free pocket constitutions available to the first 100 people courtesy of Riverview Bank.
Schedule of Events, 4:00pm – 8:00pm:
Fort Vancouver Artillery Barracks, 600 Hatheway Rd. Vancouver WA 98661
4:00 – 4:45 pm
John Jay, How the Constitution was Put Together in One Summer
John Jay is a marketing professional with more than a decade of experience in marketing, political campaigns, and public affairs. He was elected to the Clark County Charter Review Commission in 2025 and also serves on the Vancouver Planning Commission. He has taught at Clark College and held a variety of community leadership roles in Clark County. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
4:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Activities including: Can you Pass the Citizenship Test? Kahoot Game.
Kahoot is a live, interactive digital game that you can use on your phone. Everyone votes in real time, and after the round ends the answer will be revealed.
6:00 – 6:45 pm
Melissa Williams, The Fourteenth Amendment: A Constitution in and of Itself
Melissa Williams is a lifelong resident of Vancouver and a community historian who researches African American history in Clark County. She is a Clark College alumna who earned a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in Public History from Washington State University. Over the past 20 years she has contributed to projects for organizations including the Vancouver NAACP, Portland State University, Oregon Historical Society, and Clark County Historical Museum. Williams’ career is in higher education, and she currently serves as Policy Associate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
6:45 – 7:30 pm
Carolyn Long, The Bill of Rights + What Does the Constitution Mean Today
Dr. Long is an associate professor in the School of Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs and former Sam Reed Distinguished Professor in Civic Education and Public Civility. Her research interests focus on American Institutions, Public Law and American Public Policy. She has taught courses on the American Constitution, Civil Liberties, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, The Judicial Process, Administrative Jurisprudence, Congressional Politics, Public Policy and American Institutions at WSUV since 1995.
7:30 – 8:00 pm Roundtable discussions
We hope you’ll join us for a fun and engaging evening!
Funding is part of Grant No. 07 79 07797 awarded by United States Economic Development Administration and provided by the Industry Sector Development Program of the Washington State Department of Commerce. This grant program is administered by the Washington State Historical Society under contract with the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Thank you to our sponsors!
