Day Trip: National Constitution Center

Like many Americans we didn't take any long vacations this summer, just some overnight regional trips and a few visits to local attractions.

One of these was the National Constitution Center. I took the kids one morning; none of us had been there before. The opening presentation is very impressive and it was the first time I've seen that kind of hybrid live actor / video technology used. The actor stood in the center of the floor, with the audience on riser seats around him.

The exhibits were very well done. Along the walls the exhibits were chronological, things to be looked at and read. The exhibits in the center of the room as you moved through were more interactive. We found the jury room set up interesting. A video explains the jury system and process as you sit in a juror's chair. The balance of powers exhibit was another favorite. Another let you decide on some Supreme Court cases after viewing some of the evidence. We also voted in the sample voting booths.

One of the last stops is a room with life sized statues of men from the Constitutional Convention, posed in groupings around the room. We wandered around and read the plaques on the floor to see who everyone was.

It was an interesting experience and I'm glad we went. The cafeteria was a little pricey, as museum cafeteria's always are, but they had Odwalla lemonade, my current favorite beverage, so that was good.