March 9–13, 2026

Elevating civic education and engagement across the Constitution State
Civic Learning Week is a national effort to prioritize civic education in order to sustain and strengthen our constitutional democracy. It brings together students, educators, policymakers, community leaders, and organizations to highlight and further energize the movement for civic education in states and communities across the nation. Civic Learning Week is led by the national and cross-partisan CivxNow Coalition, a project of iCivics.
As Connecticut’s CivxNow State Affiliate, The Connecticut Democracy Center is tasked with raising awareness of Civic Learning Week and encouraging participation in our state. To celebrate, we and our partners are offered a variety of in-person and virtual civic learning opportunities for all audiences from March 9-13, 2026.
Learn more about our programming, watch recordings of our virtual events, and explore free civics resources below. For information about national Civic Learning Week, visit civiclearningweek.org.
Do you provide civics programs, resources, or experiences for students and teachers? Visit our Information for Civics Organizations and Practitioners page for Civic Learning Week ideas!
Celebrate Civic Learning Week in Connecticut!
Governor Lamont and Secretary Thomas Recognize Civic Learning Week


Governor Ned Lamont has officially proclaimed March 9-13, 2026 as Civic Learning Week in the State of Connecticut!
Click to see the Governor’s proclamation.
In recognition of Civic Learning Week, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas has issued an official citation honoring “All the people and groups in Connecticut who help elevate civic education, especially during Civic Learning Week.”
Click to see the Secretary’s citation.


In-Person and Virtual Programs
★ Featured Programs ★

Civics Advocacy Day at the State Capitol
March 10, 2026
📍 Location: Connecticut State Capitol, Hall of Flags
Click to learn more and register.
Join the Connecticut Democracy Center and civics practitioners from across the state as we elevate the importance of civic learning in the halls of the Capitol! Sign up to reserve exhibitor table space where you can display information about your organization and programs, and speak with legislators and their staffs about why we must prioritize K-12 civic learning.

Civic Learning Week National Forum: Liberty and Learning: Civic Education at 250
March 9–10, 2026
📍 Location: Philadelphia, PA and online
Click to learn more and register.
The National Forum is the cornerstone event of CivxNow’s Civic Learning Week and brings together educators, policymakers, students, and civic leaders for panels, discussions, and networking. The Forum highlights the importance of civic education in strengthening American democracy. The event is free and includes options for in-person (Philadelphia, PA) and virtual participation.

Spotlight on Connecticut’s Next Generation of Civic Leaders
March 13, 2026—6:30PM
📍 Location: Online
Click to learn more and register
Across Connecticut, students are leading some of the most impactful civic engagement initiatives and demonstrating their leadership potential. Join the Connecticut Democracy Center in residence at Connecticut’s Old State House for a free webinar highlighting student-led work being done by Antonia Kambolis (Voter Captains Project), Ryan Engels (CT Youth Political Advocacy Center), Izayah Ringfield (Yale College Democrats), and Idhaant Bhosle (Town of Rocky Hill).
Full Program Schedule
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
- 9:00am-9:30am – News Briefing with the Civics Education, Civics Engagement and Media Literacy Task Force to Discuss Final Report Recommendations
Click to watch on YouTube
On National Constitution Day, members of the Civics Education, Civics Engagement and Media Literacy Task Force discussed their newly-released final report and recommendations. Click here to read the final report. Streamed live on CT-N (ct-n.com) on September 17, 2025.
- 11:00am-11:35am – Connecticut Democracy Center: Connect with Connecticut’s Leaders – the Three Branches of State Government
Click to watch on YouTube
State Representative Hilda Santiago, former Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, and Judge Dennis Eveleigh answer student questions about their jobs and how Connecticut’s three branches of state government work together.
- 1:00pm-1:25pm – Connecticut Democracy Center: Governor Ned Lamont and Kid Governor Keudy Martinez speak with students
Click to watch on YouTube
Ned Lamont visits Kid Governor Keudy Martinez at his school to discuss Keudy’s “Speaking Up for Safe & Happy Schools” platform and to answer student questions about bullying, government, and civic engagement.
IN PERSON PROGRAMS
- 6:30pm-7:30pm – Bethel Public Library: A Vote of Her Own—The Fight for Women’s Suffrage
Location: Bethel Public Library, Parloa Room, 189 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, CT
Click to register
How did the women of CT work for – or against – the right to vote? In this program, we’ll look at photos, letters and pamphlets from our collection to understand one of the most hard-fought political battles of American history. You’ll learn about suffragists like Katharine Houghton Hepburn, Mary Townsend Seymour, and Isabella Beecher Hooker, as well as some CT women who fought tooth-and-nail against women getting the vote (what was up with them?). This is a hybrid event; you can choose to attend in person or on Zoom.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
- 10:00am-10:30am – Connecticut Democracy Center: Connecticut Civics Trivia!
Click to watch on YouTube
Join The Connecticut Democracy Center in residence at Connecticut’s Old State House for a fun round of Civics Trivia! Test your knowledge of civics and our three branches of state government. Accompanying Resources:- Printable Response Sheet: https://bit.ly/3mahhdw
- Answer Key: https://bit.ly/3IrZbLU
- Google Forms Response Sheet: https://bit.ly/3SH0LxS
- 3:00pm-4:00pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: Rev. James W. C. Pennington: A National and Local Voice for Freedom
Click to watch on YouTube
A lecture on the life of the Reverend James W.C. Pennington, educator and pastor of the Talcott Street church in the 1840s and 1850s, with an emphasis on his impact as a leader of the Black community in Hartford and the context of national events and the abolition movement.
- 5:00pm-6:15pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities
Click to watch on YouTube
Conversation is the key to building empathy and understanding. It’s one of the most important tools in a teacher’s toolbox when it comes to helping students understand difficult subjects. It can also be one of the trickiest tools for educators to use. Joe Schmidt is a leader in social studies education. In his latest book, “Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities”, he and co-author Nichelle Pinkney share their expertise and guidance to help educators facilitate difficult conversations in the classroom with courage and empathy. Join Joe in conversation and learn how he constructed these tips for discourse on complex and sometimes divisive topics.
IN PERSON PROGRAMS
- 12:00pm-5:00pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: Celebrate Civics at Connecticut’s Old State House!
Location: Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Visit Connecticut’s former state capitol and learn how civics has informed Connecticut’s history in the rooms where it happened! You can:
- Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of this National Historic Landmark.
- Understand the history of voting rights in the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s “Who Can Vote?” exhibit.
- Pick up your free Civic Learning Week souvenir button at our Welcome Desk!
- Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of this National Historic Landmark.
- 2:00pm-3:00pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: Civics themed tour of Connecticut’s Old State House
Location: Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT
At Connecticut’s Old State House, you’ll find historic rooms and exhibits for people of all ages to explore. Each room has been beautifully and authentically restored. During your tour, you will walk through the chambers and halls where Connecticut history was made, and learn how civics and history worked together to create the Connecticut that we know today. Join us at 2pm for a guided tour with one of our museum educators, or explore on your own and find civic connections at every turn! Visit ctoldstatehouse.org for museum admission prices.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
- 11:00am-12:00pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: Connecticut’s Kid Governor Inauguration Day 2026
Click to watch on YouTube
Relive the excitement of Inauguration Day 2026 and watch Kid Governor Tessa Hallinan and her Cabinet take their official oaths of office and begin their one-year term!
- 4:00pm-5:00pm – Connecticut Democracy Center: Educate, Empower, Engage: A Conversation on the Lasting Impact of Civic Education
Click to watch on YouTube
This captivating Civic Learning Week discussion explores civic education and engagement in Connecticut! Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Commissioner of Education Charlene Russell-Tucker, and Connecticut’s first-ever Kid Governor Elena Tipton (2016) share their civic journeys and attendees gained a deeper understanding of the importance of civic learning, youth voice and participation, and developing leadership skills. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and to contribute to building a future where every voice is empowered to make a difference.
IN PERSON PROGRAMS
- 12:00pm-5:00pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: Celebrate Civics at Connecticut’s Old State House!
Location: Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Visit Connecticut’s former state capitol and learn how civics has informed Connecticut’s history in the rooms where it happened! You can:
- Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of this National Historic Landmark.
- Understand the history of voting rights in the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s “Who Can Vote?” exhibit.
- Pick up your free Civic Learning Week souvenir button at our Welcome Desk!
- Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of this National Historic Landmark.
- 2:00pm-3:00pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: Civics themed tour of Connecticut’s Old State House
Location: Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT
At Connecticut’s Old State House, you’ll find historic rooms and exhibits for people of all ages to explore. Each room has been beautifully and authentically restored. During your tour, you will walk through the chambers and halls where Connecticut history was made, and learn how civics and history worked together to create the Connecticut that we know today. Join us at 2pm for a guided tour with one of our museum educators, or explore on your own and find civic connections at every turn! Visit ctoldstatehouse.org for museum admission prices.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
- 11:00am-11:15am – Red, White & Blue Schools: How to use the Connecticut General Assembly’s Website and Bill Tracking Tools
Click here to watch on YouTube
Jennifer Vienneau explains how to navigate the Connecticut General Assembly’s website, resources, and bill tracking tools. Learn more about Red, White & Blue Schools at rwbschools.org.
- 12:00pm-12:20pm – Connecticut Democracy Center: Meet the 2026 Kid Governor’s Cabinet
Click here to watch on YouTube
Relive the excitement of Inauguration Day 2026 and watch “Connecting with Connecticut’s Leaders: Meet the Cabinet” educational program. This program features a Q&A with Kid Governor Tessa’s Cabinet Members: Ajla Reci, Alyvia Stoddard, Dylan Ellis, Myra Ruparel, Nana Appau, and Samuel James. The students discuss their backgrounds, their chosen community issues and platforms, and their campaigns to be Connecticut’s 2026 Kid Governor.
- 3:00pm–4:05pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: From the Classroom to the Capital City: Place-Based Civic Learning in Hartford
Click here to watch on YouTube
To celebrate Civic Learning Week, the Connecticut Democracy Center in residence at Connecticut’s Old State House and its state government partners will discuss the significance of place-based education in fostering civic awareness and engagement. Learn about the unique place-based experiences for students and the public at Connecticut’s Old State House, the State Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the Connecticut State Library and its Museum of Connecticut History, as well as our classroom-based civic learning programs and resources.
IN PERSON PROGRAMS
- 12:00pm-5:00pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: Celebrate Civics at Connecticut’s Old State House!
Location: Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Visit Connecticut’s former state capitol and learn how civics has informed Connecticut’s history in the rooms where it happened! You can:
- Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of this National Historic Landmark.
- Understand the history of voting rights in the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s “Who Can Vote?” exhibit.
- Pick up your free Civic Learning Week souvenir button at our Welcome Desk!
- Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of this National Historic Landmark.
- 2:00pm-3:00pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: Civics themed tour of Connecticut’s Old State House
Location: Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT
At Connecticut’s Old State House, you’ll find historic rooms and exhibits for people of all ages to explore. Each room has been beautifully and authentically restored. During your tour, you will walk through the chambers and halls where Connecticut history was made, and learn how civics and history worked together to create the Connecticut that we know today. Join us at 2pm for a guided tour with one of our museum educators, or explore on your own and find civic connections at every turn! Visit ctoldstatehouse.org for museum admission prices.
- 5:30pm–8:30pm – Connecticut Democracy Center: Connecticut Democracy Center Awards
Location: Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT
The Connecticut Democracy Center will host the 3rd Annual Connecticut Democracy Center Awards at Connecticut’s Old State House on Thursday, March 12. Join us for this special celebration of civics and tribute to community, business, and philanthropic leaders committed to strengthening democracy through acts of citizenship, service, and community engagement. Learn more and purchase tickets at ctdemocracycenter.org/ctdc-awards.
- 6:30pm-7:30pm – Noah Webster House: Noah Webster: Partisan Federalist (1792-1843)
Location: Noah Webster House, 227 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT
Click here to register
This lecture explores the political life of Noah Webster during the early years of the United States. Beginning with the 1789 inauguration of George Washington, presenter Craig Hotchkiss traces Webster’s hopes for a quiet life against the backdrop of growing partisan conflict under the new Constitution. As divisions intensified between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, culminating in the contentious election of 1800 and the presidency of John Adams, Webster remained deeply engaged in defending the Federalist vision. The lecture highlights how fears of political faction, national disunion, and democratic instability shaped both Webster’s career and the uncertain future of the American republic.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
- 12:00pm-12:45pm – Office of the Secretary of the State: National Civics Day News Briefing
Click here to watch on YouTube
October 27th, National Civics Day, marked the anniversary of the first Federalist Paper being published in 1787, a series of essays that argued for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Hear from Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, former MLB player Doug Glanville, and others about National Civics Day and the Secretary’s new “Power of Civics” online learning platform. Streamed live on CT-N (ct-n.com) on October 27, 2025.
- 1:00pm-1:30pm – Connecticut Democracy Center: Connecticut Civics Trivia!
Click to watch on YouTube
Join The Connecticut Democracy Center in residence at Connecticut’s Old State House for a fun round of Civics Trivia! Test your knowledge of civics and our three branches of state government. Accompanying Resources:- Printable Response Sheet: https://bit.ly/3mahhdw
- Answer Key: https://bit.ly/3IrZbLU
- Google Forms Response Sheet: https://bit.ly/3SH0LxS
- 6:30pm-7:30pm – Connecticut Democracy Center: Spotlight on Connecticut’s Next Generation of Civic Leaders
Click here to register
Across Connecticut, students are leading some of the state’s most impactful civic engagement initiatives and demonstrating their leadership potential. In honor of national Civic Learning Week, join the Connecticut Democracy Center in residence at Connecticut’s Old State House for a free webinar highlighting student-led work being done by Antonia Kambolis (Voter Captains Project), Ryan Engels (CT Youth Political Advocacy Center), Izayah Ringfield (Yale College Democrats), and Idhaant Bhosle (Town of Rocky Hill).
IN PERSON PROGRAMS
- 12:00pm-5:00pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: Celebrate Civics at Connecticut’s Old State House!
Location: Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Visit Connecticut’s former state capitol and learn how civics has informed Connecticut’s history in the rooms where it happened! You can:
- Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of this National Historic Landmark.
- Understand the history of voting rights in the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s “Who Can Vote?” exhibit.
- Pick up your free Civic Learning Week souvenir button at our Welcome Desk!
- Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of this National Historic Landmark.
- 2:00pm-3:00pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: Civics themed tour of Connecticut’s Old State House
Location: Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT
At Connecticut’s Old State House, you’ll find historic rooms and exhibits for people of all ages to explore. Each room has been beautifully and authentically restored. During your tour, you will walk through the chambers and halls where Connecticut history was made, and learn how civics and history worked together to create the Connecticut that we know today. Join us at 2pm for a guided tour with one of our museum educators, or explore on your own and find civic connections at every turn! Visit ctoldstatehouse.org for museum admission prices.
IN PERSON PROGRAMS
- 10:30am-12:30pm – Terryville Public Library: Civics & Conversation
Location: Terryville Public Library, 238 Main St, Terryville, CT
Click here to register
Civics & Conversation is a guided discussion series that explores the foundations of American government and civic life. The program meets weekly on Saturdays in March 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, at the Library. Sessions will be facilitated by veteran social studies teacher Robert Nave who is a United States House of Representatives Teaching Fellow, having served his internship in Congress in the summer of 2010. Further, Bob is a noted lecturer who has given presentations throughout the United States on civic and legal issues on a wide variety of subjects. Each of the 4 sessions focus on a different topic: the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation; the Preamble and seven Articles of the Constitution; the Bill of Rights; and Amendments 11–27. This interactive series encourages thoughtful conversation and a deeper understanding of how these documents continue to shape our democracy today.Saturday, March 7 – 10:30am-12:30pm – Week 1: Introduction and Declaration of Independence/Articles of ConfederationSaturday, March 14 – 10:30am-12:30pm – Week 2: The Constitution: Preamble and 7 ArticlesSaturday, March 21 – 10:30am-12:30pm – Week 3: The Bill of RightsSaturday, March 28 – 10:30am-12:30pm – Week 4: Amendments 11-27All sessions are held at the Terryville Public Library, 238 Main Street, Terryville, CT 06786. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be served. Participants should commit to attending all four sessions. Space is limited. In the event of inclement weather, the snow date will be Saturday, April 4.This event has been made possible through the generous support of the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation.
- 11:00am-12:00pm – East Hampton Public Library: Cabin Fever History Series: From Liberty to Legacy: Exploring American Ideals in the Musicals 1776 and Hamilton with Michael Langlois
Location: East Hampton Public Library, 105 Main St #1, East Hampton, CT
Click here to register
1776 and Hamilton: two American musicals telling the story of the founding of our nation. Let’s look at these revolutionary musicals and their contrasting visions of an American society at a crossroads.
- 12:00pm-5:00pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: Celebrate Civics at Connecticut’s Old State House!
Location: Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT
Visit Connecticut’s former state capitol and learn how civics has informed Connecticut’s history in the rooms where it happened! You can:
- Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of this National Historic Landmark.
- Understand the history of voting rights in the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s “Who Can Vote?” exhibit.
- Pick up your free Civic Learning Week souvenir button at our Welcome Desk!
- Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of this National Historic Landmark.
- 2:00pm-3:00pm – Connecticut’s Old State House: Civics themed tour of Connecticut’s Old State House
Location: Connecticut’s Old State House, 800 Main Street, Hartford, CT
At Connecticut’s Old State House, you’ll find historic rooms and exhibits for people of all ages to explore. Each room has been beautifully and authentically restored. During your tour, you will walk through the chambers and halls where Connecticut history was made, and learn how civics and history worked together to create the Connecticut that we know today. Join us at 2pm for a guided tour with one of our museum educators, or explore on your own and find civic connections at every turn! Visit ctoldstatehouse.org for museum admission prices.
What is Civics?
Connecticut students, teachers, civics experts and practitioners, and government officials speak about the importance of civics.
Civics Resources
The Connecticut Democracy Center and our partners offer a variety of civics resources, programs, and place-based learning opportunities for all ages. Click on a partner for links to their resources!

Connecticut Elementary and Secondary Social Studies Standards
Connecticut adopted its first K-12 social studies standards in October 2023. Developed by teachers with public input and state legislative direction, these standards provide guidance for social studies instruction.

Connecticut Model Curriculum for Social Studies
The Connecticut Model Curriculum for Social Studies is available through GoOpen and provides curriculum leaders and teachers with ideas for curriculum design aligned to Connecticut’s K-12 Standards.

Red, White & Blue Schools
The Red, White & Blue Schools program recognizes K-12 public and private schools that are going above and beyond in their delivery of civic education. By participating in this program, schools are promoting being active and engaged members of their communities. Red, White & Blue Schools is a partnership program between the Connecticut Secretary of the State, the Connecticut State Department of Education, and the Connecticut Democracy Center in residence at Connecticut’s Old State House. Learn how your school can apply to be a Red, White & Blue School!

Social Studies and Civics Resources
The State Department of Education has compiled resources for teaching civics, history, and other social studies disciplines.

Connecticut Council for the Social Studies
The Connecticut Council for the Social Studies advocates and builds capacity for high-quality social studies by providing leadership, services, and support to educators.

Civic Engagement Initiatives and Resources (all ages)
The Office of the Secretary of the State offers free civic engagement and education resources for students and adults of all ages.

Social Studies and Civics Resources (all grades)
The State Department of Education has compiled resources for teaching civics, history, and other social studies disciplines.

Connecticut Network (CT-N) (all ages)
CT-N is Connecticut’s source for complete and balanced television and webcast coverage of state government and public policy. Your students can see their state government in action by watching live and recorded legislative sessions, committee meetings, public hearings, press briefings, Supreme Court oral arguments, and more.

Videos about state government (all ages)
The Connecticut Democracy Center and its Connecticut’s Kid Governor® program offer free videos from state officials explaining their roles within state government.

The Power of Civics
The Power of Civics from Connecticut’s Office of the Secretary of the State provides information on how people can be informed and involved in their communities. The newest resource is a free, online, 6-module training course to help you understand how government works and how to work with it.


Teach It CT (grades K-12)
A project of CT Humanities, Teach It helps Connecticut teachers bring Connecticut history into the classroom through inquiry-based activities. The following civics resources were created by the Connecticut Democracy Center in partnership with Connecticut teachers:
Empowering Students’ “Civic Voices” in Local and State Government (Elementary)
Empowering Students’ “Civic Voices” in Local and State Government (Middle/High)
Government is People: Creating a Symposium of Local Government Speakers (Elementary)
Government is People: Creating a Symposium of Local Government Speakers (Middle/High)

Capitol Information & Tours/League of Women Voters Resources (grades 3-12)
Explore free activities and classroom tools about how a bill becomes a law, contacting state legislators, the three branches of state government, voting rights, and more.

Civic Literacy Resources (all ages)
The State Library’s Division of Library Development supports Civic/Social Literacy so that Connecticut citizens will have the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives, participate and contribute effectively in their communities, and connect with one another through dialogue.

iCivics (all grades)
iCivics was founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in 2009 to ensure that all Americans have the knowledge and will to participate in our unique experiment in self-government. Since then, iCivics has become the nation’s premier non-profit civic education provider of high-quality, non-partisan, engaging, and free resources to more than 9 million students annually, in all 50 states. iCivics’ first-of-its-kind digital civic library includes more than 260 curricular resources, digital literacy tools, professional learning materials, and educational video games.

Local Civic Health: A Guide to Building Community and Bridging Divides
This document, produced by New Hampshire Listens and designed by Laurel Lloyd at the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire, is intended to help you create a plan of action for collecting civic health information, and can be a guiding charter to refer back to. Some of the categories below require deeper conversation, and when they do we have marked this with some tools to help you have those conversations.

Braver Angels
Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide.

What Is a Community? – Lesson for Kids
“Communities can be as small as a single family or as big as everyone on the planet. Discover how they are made up of people with things in common, as well as differences, who work together.”

Civicly
Civicly (for iPhones/iPads) was created by a Civics teacher and provides free, engaging, high-quality civic education. The Blog is available on any platform.

C3 Teachers
C3 Teachers provides K-12 inquiry-based lessons on a variety of social studies topics, with many inquiries based on civics.

Generation Citizen
Generation Citizen strives to empower middle and high school students through project-based civics. They provide resources and toolkits to be used throughout the year and for Civics Day.

Facing History and Ourselves
Facing History and Ourselves provides resources that provide opportunities where students explore, learn, and participate and, ultimately, develop informed civic responsibility.

The Civics Collection
The Civics Collection on PBS LearningMedia is designed to help teach middle and high school students about American citizenship, our constitutional democracy, and the complexities of our government and empower them as young citizens with a robust set of media-rich educational resources.

The National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center has a multitude of resources, including an interactive Constitution to learn about the text, history, and meaning of the U.S. Constitution.

Civics Renewal Network
The Civics Renewal Network is an alliance of 37 nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations that provide free online classroom resources for civics education.
From the Classroom to the Capital City: Place-Based Civic Learning in Hartford
Watch this March 2024 panel discussion to learn about the unique place-based experiences for students and the public at Connecticut’s Old State House, the State Capitol, the Supreme Court, the State Library, and the Museum of Connecticut History.

School Programs at Connecticut’s Old State House (grades K-12)
Located in downtown Hartford, Connecticut’s Old State House served as one of Connecticut’s state capitols from 1796 to 1878 and Hartford City Hall from 1878-1915. Beautifully restored and preserved, this museum and civic space was declared one of the first National Historic Landmarks in 1960. Immerse your students in civics and history with a school program at Connecticut’s Old State House! To book a school program, OSHschools@cga.ct.gov.
We offer three admission and bus discount programs for Connecticut students through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education supporting the Civics Education for Connecticut Students collaboration between five museums, and from the Scripps Family Fund.

Tours of the State Capitol (all ages)
Visit the Connecticut State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark and one of the most beautiful capitols in the country. Capitol Information and Tours offers free one-hour tours for children in grades four and above. This is the perfect enrichment activity in conjunction with studies of government, architecture, and history. To book a tour, email Capitol.Tours@cga.ct.gov.

Visit the Museum of Connecticut History at the State Library (all ages)
At the Museum of Connecticut History, you’ll find exhibits that trace the growth of the State and its role in the development of the nation. The Museum focuses on Connecticut’s government, industrial and military history and includes Connecticut’s original charter, the Fundamental Orders, the State Constitution, and portraits of each governor. A museum staff member, if available, will greet your group in the museum and provide a brief orientation for your group.

Tour the Connecticut Supreme Court (all ages)
The External Affairs Division of the Connecticut Judicial Branch provides tours of the Supreme Court courtroom from Monday through Friday during regular business hours. To request a tour, email external.affairs@jud.ct.gov.

Civics Education for Connecticut Students project (grades K-5)
Five different institutions are proud to offer free and discounted programs for K-5 students that introduce civics, community, and government to young learners through engaging and accessible experiences. As sites and keepers of history, these museums draw on our collective past to engage students with the past, present, and future. Our educators will help your students get excited about the potential and possibilities of civic life in the museum and in the classroom. Funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Education.
Participating museums: Connecticut Democracy Center in residence at Connecticut’s Old State House (Hartford), Connecticut Museum of Culture and History (Hartford), Fairfield Museum and History Center (Fairfield), Mystic Seaport Museum (Mystic), The Mark Twain House & Museum (Hartford).
To learn about field trip opportunities at these museums, read the Civics Education for Connecticut Students booklet.

Court Aide Program (grades 9-12)
High schoolers can: learn about the Judicial Branch and the services it provides; complete school-mandated requirements for graduation; contribute to the community; gain valuable experience and references; further explore career interests and vocational skills.

Job Shadow Program (grades 9-12)
The Job Shadow Program is designed to provide an opportunity for high school students to explore career interests and vocational skills by “shadowing” a Judicial Branch employee during a workday. Students are matched with a mentor at a location as near as possible to their school.

Connecticut’s Kid Governor® (grade 5)
The Connecticut Democracy Center’s award-winning civics program for 5th graders, Kid Governor® offers free civics lesson plans, videos, a traveling exhibit, and other resources for learning about state government, elections, and civic participation. Many resources can be adapted for other grades! Email info@CT.KidGovernor.org for access to additional resources including Bitmoji classrooms.

We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution (grades 6-12)
We The People promotes civic knowledge and engagement among upper elementary and secondary students. Utilizing innovative materials developed by the Center for Civic Education, an entire class works in cooperative teams to prepare and present statements on six units before a panel of judges acting as a congressional committee at a state-level competition. The Connecticut Democracy Center is the state affiliate of the We The People program.

Connecticut Democracy Center Debate Tournament (grades 6-12)
Debate Tournament hosts competitive interscholastic team policy debate tournaments for middle and high school students focused on a Connecticut topic. Participants use their research to develop both negative and affirmative arguments, learn to cross-examine their opposition, and listen attentively in order to rebut their opponent’s arguments. Participation improves public speaking skills, ability to analyze issues and resources, and expertise in using evidence to support arguments.

CT History Day (grades 6-12)
An affiliate program of National History Day, CT History engages thousands of middle- and high-school students in historical research, interpretation, and creative expression through project-based learning. Access free student and educator resources!

Civics Academy (grades 4-6)
The Civics Academy is a group of judges and attorneys who have been specially trained to deliver civics education to elementary-aged students. The Academy visits elementary school classes from grades 4 to 6 to present a 50-minute lesson plan that has been developed to help young students understand their role in our society.

Judicial Branch Speakers Bureau (all ages)
The Speakers Bureau maintains a panel of Judges and other court officials interested in speaking to community audiences on a wide range of court-related topics.

The World Affairs Council of Connecticut: Model United Nations (grades 9-12)
Our world is increasingly globalized. Through the Model UN, direct access to the world’s leaders and experts, and leadership development, we are equipping over 1200 Connecticut students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive. The World Affairs Council of Connecticut (CTWAC) Model United Nations (MUN) engages high school students in international affairs and develops students’ critical thinking, leadership, confidence and problem-solving skills, leading to success in their future school and careers. Through participating in Model UN, students emerge as leaders, having been exposed to critical global issues and international perspectives and incorporating their own creative and innovative ways of looking at the world. They develop skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership, while learning to cooperatively discuss and resolve broad issues.

Civic Life Project
The Civic Life Project teaches digital storytelling and documentary filmmaking as a tool for civic education, helping students creatively examine how laws, policies, and systems impact their daily lives.

Generation Citizen (grades 8-12)
Through hands-on civic education, legislative advocacy and coalition building, and youth leadership development, Generation Citizen teaches young people how to have a voice and become active citizens in their communities.

Democracy in Action
A collaboration between the National Council for the Social Studies and Civic Life Project, Democracy in Action empowers students to create short documentaries on issues they care about, showcase their films to their communities, and ignite dialogue and civic action!

iCivics (all grades)
iCivics was founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in 2009 to ensure that all Americans have the knowledge and will to participate in our unique experiment in self-government. Since then, iCivics has become the nation’s premier non-profit civic education provider of high-quality, non-partisan, engaging, and free resources to more than 9 million students annually, in all 50 states. iCivics’ first-of-its-kind digital civic library includes more than 260 curricular resources, digital literacy tools, professional learning materials, and educational video games.

Civics Book Kits
Schools can check out a Kid Governor® Civics Book Kit from the Connecticut State Library to supplement instruction. Each kit comes with a selection of books that relate to the theme, as well as a discussion guide with questions specific to select titles and general discussion questions for the topic. Books in these kits are appropriate for elementary school-aged children.

Kid Governor® Library (grade 5)
The Kid Governor® Library is a curated list of civics books that enable you to link reading and civics. The books are organized into three topic areas: Government, Elections & Voting – Leadership – Civic Engagement. We also have a bonus section with books by and about Kid Governors. The books have been recommended by Kid Governor® staff and participating teachers.

Educate, Empower, Engage: A Conversation on the Lasting Impact of Civic Education
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Commissioner of Education Charlene Russell-Tucker, and Connecticut’s first-ever Kid Governor Elena Tipton (2016) explore civic education and engagement in Connecticut and share their own civic journeys.

Connecting with Connecticut’s Leaders – the Three Branches of State Government
State Treasurer Erick Russell, State Representative Hilda Santiago, and Judge Dennis Eveleigh answer student questions about their jobs and how Connecticut’s three branches of state government work together.

Great Citizenship: Building a Better Connecticut)
A Town Hall Meeting at Connecticut’s Old State House featuring nationally-renowned speaker and author Eric Liu. ‘Great Citizenship’ reviews the insights of state residents’ social behavior toward their neighbors, communities, and government, which were revealed in Connecticut’s Civic Health Index Report.

Citizen Nation: Civic Skills
Citizen Nation is a collection of video clips from the PBS that empowers secondary students to participate confidently in civic life.

Civic Learning Week: Fireside Chat with the Archivist of the United States & U.S. Secretary of Education
A 2024 Civic Learning Week conversation between Archivist of the United States Dr. Colleen Shogan U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel A. Cardona. The conversation, held at the National Archives in Washington, DC, highlighted the importance of civics and history education for every student in order to sustain and strengthen our constitutional democracy.

Civic Learning Week: Conversation with US Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Amy Coney Barrett
A 2024 Civic Learning Week conversation between U.S. Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Amy Coney Barrett, moderated by Eric Liu. The conversation was held at the George Washington University in Washington, DC.

The American Revolution and Civic Learning: A Conversation with Filmmaker Ken Burns
Join award-winning filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein as they discuss — just ahead of the anniversary of the War of Independence in April 2025, and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 — PBS’ new documentary series, The American Revolution. Burns and Botstein will join in conversation with teachers about the pivotal story of our country’s founding and the opportunities to focus on this history in the classroom that will provide fresh perspectives on the Revolutionary era and its legacies, as well as highlight the power of film and video to make high-quality civic learning come alive for students in the classroom.

Civic Learning Week: 2025 National Forum
The full recording of the 2025 Civic Learning Week National Forum held at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. The National Forum featured students, educators, researchers, policymakers, technology experts, and more exploring the importance of civic learning.

March 10: Connecticut’s First Congresswoman Did Just About Everything!
“Connecticut’s first congresswoman, Clare Boothe Luce, was one of the most professionally-accomplished women of her time…”

March 11: Beatrice Fox Auerbach, Innovative Businesswoman and Philanthropist
“When Beatrice Fox Auerbach became president of Hartford’s G. Fox & Company in 1938, in an era where there were scarcely any female retail executives to be found in the United States, neither she nor any of the popular department store’s board members expected her to remain in the position for very long…”

March 13: A City, State, & Country Divided: The New Haven Black Panther Trials
“Today in 1970, the stage was set for one of the most polarizing trials of the modern Civil Rights era. Bobby Seale, national chairman of the militant black power organization Black Panthers, arrived in Connecticut to stand trial for allegedly ordering the murder of a New Haven man killed 10 months earlier…”

Phyllis Zlotnick, Disability Rights Activist
“July 1990 marked the passing of a landmark piece of federal legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, known as the ADA. To recognize this event and to celebrate Disability Pride Month, we are uncovering the legacy of disability rights leader, Phyllis Zlotnick.”

Miss Crandall’s School for Black Women
“After a campaign initiated by schoolchildren, Prudence Crandall was designated the Connecticut State Heroine by the Connecticut General Assembly on Oct. 1, 1995. You may not know Connecticut has a state heroine or you might have some inkling that Crandall was maybe a spinster Quaker schoolmarm who had an unsuccessful school in the hinterlands of eastern Connecticut. Founded in 1833, the Crandall Academy educated more than two dozen Black women during its eighteen-month existence. In this episode we’ll hear how a trio of like-minded women helped to get the academy off the ground and the tremendous impact the school had in its short existence. Many of the Black women who attended the Canterbury Female Academy went on to be teachers, activists, and leaders in the Black community.”

How Connecticut Got Zoning
“In this episode, Dr. Jack Dougherty, Professor and Director of the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, is going to uncover the story of how Connecticut passed legislation that allowed zoning in the 1920’s and how West Hartford became the first town to adopt zoning regulations.”

Radical Connecticut: Labor Strikes!
“Author Steve Thornton asks “Who really makes history”? In his new book, Radical Connecticut: People’s History in the Constitution State, co-authored by Andy Piascik, guest Steve Thornton tells the stories of everyday people and well-known figures whose work has often been obscured, denigrated, or dismissed. There are narratives of movements, strikes, popular organizations and people in Connecticut who changed the state and the country for the better.”

High School Students Committed to Civic Engagement with Guests Sreenidi Bala and Grace Ackerman
“This episode, two students join our hosts to discuss student civic engagement. Sreenidi Bala, a student of Farmington High School and one of two student members on the Connecticut State Board of Education, she is the founder of code for All Minds, a program that equips educators and families with tools to make tech education accessible for neurodivergent students. She also serves as a youth advisor to the Info System, Accessibility Living Lab, and Happy, which stands for Helping Adults with Autism Perform and Excel, where she helps design inclusive learning and implement pathways. And as the youngest executive intern at the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, she connects teens to civil rights work and continues to advocate for systems that unlock every student’s potential. Grace Ackerman, a student of Daniel Herron High School in Madison, Connecticut, is a dedicated and passionate leader in her community and serves on the Madison Board of Education, as well as the Madison Youth and Family Services Board. As the Connecticut President of the Youth Political Activism Coalition, she is committed to increasing civic engagement among young people.”

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas
“Over the last three decades, Stephanie Thomas has dedicated her professional life to career advising and problem solving for nonprofit organizations, running her own business and serving as a state representative of the 143rd district. Sworn in on January 4th, 2023, Secretary Thomas was the first black person to be elected Secretary of the State of Connecticut. Since taking office, Secretary Thomas has led the implementation of significant election reforms in the state, including the rollout of early voting and a new centralized voter registration system. Secretary Thomas believes that a healthy, representative democracy relies on regular and active participation in civic life by all of us to promote authentic and ongoing civic engagement. She has met our communities in our own spaces, thereby cultivating a non-partisan dialog between the people and their government through programs such as her Connect and Cut series, civic trivia events at local libraries.”

Yasmeen Galal and Snigtha Mohanraj: Student Perspectives on the Intersections of Civics and Sciences
“Snigtha Mohanraj is a rising senior and volunteers with local climate groups, conducts independent research regarding water contaminant removal and works on addressing educational disparities in New Haven. She enjoys the intersection of civics with other fields such as environmental science. Yasmeen Galal, who graduated high school in May of 2024, took on various advocacy roles, including serving as the president of Connecticut Student Council and as a student representative on Connecticut’s Board of Education. She’s interested in the intersection between technology and policy, to ensure that society can advance technology while keeping humanity at the forefront.”

Sally Whipple and Supporting Social Studies Excellence
“Sally Whipple, Executive Director of the Connecticut Democracy Center details how museums and community organizations can support teachers and students engage civically and take informed action.”

Kathy Swan and Facing the Past, Present, and Future with Inquiry
“Kathy Swan, project director and lead writer of the C3 Framework, joins us to promote the power of inquiry in social studies education. Dr. Swan explains how inquiry aids students by skillfully navigating historical concepts and adeptly facilitating civic engagement by questioning the world around them.”

Daisha Brabham, Community, and Uplifting Student Voices
“Daisha Brabham, educator, public historian, and curriculum writer, enlightens us about engaging students and teachers in the conversation of race, community-building, and student-centered learning. Daisha’s message includes the hope for teachers to focus more on what students can bring to the table and how they can guide students to use their strengths for local activism and civic engagement.”

Jennifer Vienneau and Intentional Inquiry
“Jennifer Vienneau, Project Associate for the Connecticut social studies standards project and Director of Social Studies K-12 at Hamden Public Schools, offers her perspective on developing the requisite skills students need for civic life.”

Connecticut: A Guide to State Government
This guide presents an overview of Connecticut state government for students, teachers, and other interested citizens. The guide:
- Highlights the history of our state constitution.
- Illustrates the interrelationship among the three branches of state government.
- Lists the key powers and duties of the General Assembly, the Governor, other executive branch officials, and the courts.
- Summarizes the relationship between state and
local governments.

How Connecticut’s State Government Works
Leaders from Connecticut’s three branches of state government speak about their positions and responsibilities and how our government works. These videos were recorded specifically for students!
Governor
Ned Lamont
Lieutenant Governor
Susan Bysiewicz
Secretary of the State
Stephanie Thomas
State Treasurer
Erick Russell
State Comptroller
Sean Scanlon
Attorney General
William Tong
Retired Supreme Court Chief Justice
Richard A. Robinson
State Senator
Heather Somers
Connect with Connecticut’s Leaders
Educational Program

How to Use the Connecticut General Assembly Website
Are you looking to get your students interested in Connecticut’s proposed legislation? The Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) website is a great place for students to learn about and track bills being proposed in the Connecticut House of Representatives and Senate. This resource also explores how to create a Bill Tracker account and get updates on bills of interest. Click here for a video, which is also in the slide show, that demonstrates how to use the CGA website.

How a Bill Becomes a Law in Connecticut
Choose from two handouts that will teach your students about the lawmaking process in Connecticut from start to finish.

Legislative Terms Word Scramble
Unscramble the jumbled up legislative terms in this word scramble puzzle.

Lesson Plan: Civics and Connecticut’s Constitution of 1818
In this lesson, students compare The Declaration of Independence (1776), Connecticut’s Constitution of 1818, and The Declaration of Sentiments (1848) to explore the establishment and role of governments, citizen and human rights, and political power.

Annotated copy of Connecticut’s Constitution of 1818
A poster-sized, annotated copy of Connecticut’s first Constitution ratified in 1818.

Contacting Your Legislator
Encourage your students to get involved in government by contacting their legislator.

Writing to Your Elected Officials
This resource guides students in identifying their elected officials and writing letters concerning issues important to them.

Resources about Connecticut Elections, Mock Elections, and Voting
These resources can help you teach elections and voting in your classroom! Unless noted, Red, White & Blue Schools and its partners are not affiliated with these resources and schools/teachers should vet them for appropriateness before implementing them in their classrooms.

Virtual Museum Tour
This Museum of Connecticut History’s virtual tour enables you to explore the museum’s collections and exhibits. Don’t miss the state’s founding documents and portraits of past governors lining the walls of Memorial Hall!

Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities
Conversation is the key to building empathy and understanding. It’s one of the most important tools in a teacher’s toolbox when it comes to helping students understand difficult subjects. It can also be one of the trickiest tools for educators to use. Joe Schmidt is a leader in social studies education. In his latest book, “Civil Discourse: Classroom Conversations for Stronger Communities,” he and co-author Nichelle Pinkney share their expertise and guidance to help educators facilitate difficult conversations in the classroom with courage and empathy.

Let’s Talk
Let’s Talk, a guide from Learning for Justice, offers classroom-ready strategies teachers can use to plan discussions and to facilitate these conversations with students.

Constitutional Conversations and Civil Dialogue Toolkit
The National Constitution Center’s Constitutional Conversations and Civil Dialogue Toolkit provides educators with suggestions on preparing students to engage in multi-sided conversations.

Fostering Civil Discourse
Facing History & Ourselves’ Fostering Civil Discourse guide is designed to help teachers hold meaningful and productive conversations with their students about public policies, controversial issues, and current events.

Civil Discourse Toolkit
The Center for Civic Education’s Civil Discourse Toolkit is designed for adult learners but can be adapted for use in the secondary classroom.

Elections & Voting resources (adults)
The Office of the Secretary of the State offers elections and voting resources for adults.

Let’s Register to Vote!
This guide answers common questions about voting and explains how to register to vote.

Ms President US
Ms President US empowers 4th–8th grade girls with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to lead. Through mentorship, civic education, and hands-on experiences, Ms President US show girls that their voices matter and that they can shape their communities and even run for president one day.

Parents’ Role in Citizenship
Can a parent really make a difference in the community? A town hall-style meeting at the Old State House will explore why the answer is a resounding “yes” and how parents–and any concerned person–can get involved. Graduates of the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), a civics-training program of the Commission on Children, will tell how they learned the skills needed to be leaders on local school boards, town councils, philanthropic boards and even the state legislature.

Ben’s Guide to the US Government
Ben’s Guide to the US Government, a program of the Government Publishing Office, has fun learning activities for all ages.

60-Second Civics
The Center for Civic Education’s 60-Second Civics daily podcast provides a quick and convenient way for listeners to learn about our nation’s government, the Constitution, and our history. The podcast explores themes related to civics and government, the constitutional issues behind the headlines, and the people and ideas that formed our nation’s history and government.

Compact Civics
PBS’ Compact Civics is a 20-part series of non-partisan shorts that help citizens gain a better understanding of how government works. Host Cory McCants explains broad civics concepts in a fun and entertaining way.
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