The history of Constitution Week is something every Daughter should take pride in. Without the efforts of the National Society, Constitution Week as a national observance would not exist.

In 1955, under the leadership of President General Gertrude S. Carraway, NSDAR passed a resolution declaring September 17–23 Constitution Week. Inspired by the DAR example, both chambers of the U.S. Congress followed suit, and President Dwight Eisenhower issued his own proclamation on August 19, 1955. The first observance was so successful that U.S. Sen. William F. Knowland of California introduced a Senate Joint Resolution to have the president designate the week annually. The resolution was signed into public law on August 2, 1956.

Seventy years later, the National Society’s goal is to commemorate the Constitution more than just one week a year, said Nancy Davis, National Chair of the Constitution Week Committee.

“We are working hard to keep it at the forefront and not box it into one week,” Davis said.

Efforts are paying off. During the 2024 reporting year, six states had 100% participation in the committee. In 2025, that number doubled. But as Davis pointed out, it is not hard for every chapter to commemorate the Constitution, whether during the designated week or throughout the year. It can be as simple as reciting the Preamble at the beginning of every meeting.

“There’s quite a few simple activities chapters can do,” Davis said. “It’s not hard, it doesn’t cost any money, and it’s nothing big and involved.”

This year, the committee is focusing on the connection between Constitution Week and America 250! “If we did not have the Constitution, we would not be celebrating our 250th anniversary,” Davis said. “These go hand in hand, and we want to remind chapters of that. If you’re celebrating America 250! in your community, hand out mini-constitutions or somehow make that connection. It’s really a no-brainer.”

The Constitution Week Committee’s “How to Participate” webpage offers a new downloadable Constitution Connection — All-Year Strong Calendar, listing anniversaries of amendment ratifications and other key dates in Constitution history. Be sure to check out the committee’s tips for working with schools, sample proclamations, and more. Also, visit the DAR Store to stock up on chapter supplies related to the Constitution. P