Civic Parenting

National Constitution Ctr
National Constitution Ctr

Civic Parenting is a special 10-episode series hosted by Julie Silverbrook of the National Constitution Center, joined by Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen, and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ. Together, they explore how civic learning takes shape in the ordinary moments of family life. Civic parenting is the intentional practice of welcoming children into the American story and preparing them for the responsibilities of self-government. Listen to Civic Parenting and join a national conversation about how we raise the next generation of citizens.

Episodes

  1. 2 days ago

    One Family's Civic Quest to 2037

    In this episode, Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, sits down with Adam, Kelsey, and 7-year-old Dominic Varahachaikol to explore how one family has woven civic learning into everyday life, demonstrating what it means to be civic parents. From discovering the National Constitution Center through Civic Quest, the Center's interactive, play-based learning experience, to becoming one of the families selected for the America at 250 Family Time Capsule Challenge, the Varahachaikols share how constitutional learning became a meaningful part of their family's story. On July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the family sealed a collection of meaningful objects into a time capsule that will remain on display in Signers' Hall at the National Constitution Center until September 2037, when they will return to reopen it during the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. What did they choose to preserve, and why? In this conversation, the Varahachaikols reveal the personal stories behind the objects in their time capsule, reflect on what it means to raise civically curious children, discuss what it means to be American at this historic moment, and share the "civic sparks" that have shaped their family's commitment to learning, service, and the enduring promise of the Constitution. Their story offers an inspiring example of how families can embrace the civic decade, using the years between America's 250th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the Constitution to spark curiosity, strengthen civic habits, and deepen engagement in our nation's civic life. Resources  “Short (and very long) term time capsules to be kept in Philly as part of America 250 celebrations,” Nick Kariuki for WHYY, July 3, 2026  “Reno family selected for America 250 time capsule ceremony in Philadelphia,” This Is Reno, July 13, 2026  “Local family participates in time capsule ceremony,” NBC10 Philadelphia, July 3, 2026  Civic Quest, National Constitution Center  Trivial Pursuit: Exploring America’s Story, National Constitution Center Time Capsule Instructions Here is how your family can make its own time capsule—a treasure box of memories and items showing what this moment in American history means to you. Step 1: Pick Your Treasures Choose 3–5 special items that show what it’s like to be an American today. Consider photos, newspaper headlines, favorite books, recipes, and more! Step 2: Write a “Letter to the Future” Each family member can write their own letter, or you can create one together. Consider: What do you hope your future self will remember about today? What does freedom mean to you? What are your hopes for America over the next 250 years? Step 3: Pack and Seal Your Capsule Place your items in a box and label it with: Your family name Today’s date “Open on (future year of your choice)” Decorate and hide it somewhere safe or bury it with help from an adult—just don’t forget to remember where you put it! Stay Connected and Learn More  Stay connected with Civic Parenting—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen. Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media, explore more activities and programs designed for families from the National Constitution Center, or subscribe to receive our family resources email newsletter.  Support our important work by making a donation today.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

    One Family's Civic Quest to 2037

  2. 30 Jun

    Making Civics Fun

    In this episode, we explore the many ways civic learning happens, how to make it fun, social, surprising, and even funny. We explore how a game night, a family road trip, and even dinner table conversations all become opportunities to engage in big ideas together, and how we can create spaces and moments for children to discover a civic life of their own. Ben Sheehan, author of OMG WTF Does the Constitution Actually Say?: A Non-Boring Guide to How Our Democracy is Supposed to Work and What Does the Constitution Say: A Kids’ Guide to How Our Democracy Works, joins Julie Silverbrook and Lindsey Cormack to discuss how civics can be accessible, entertaining, and genuinely enjoyable for people of all ages. Resources  Ben Sheehan, What Does the Constitution Say?: A Kid’s Guide to How Our Democracy Works (2021)  Ben Sheehan, Civics Made Easy, PBS  New Jersey State Dinosaur Hardosaurus foulkii Stay Connected and Learn More  Stay connected with Civic Parenting—follow, rate, and review the show wherever you listen.  Questions or comments? Email podcast@constitutioncenter.org.  Follow @ConstitutionCtr on social media and explore more activities and programs designed for families from the National Constitution Center or subscribe to receive our family resources email newsletter. Support our important work by making a donation today.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

    Making Civics Fun

  3. 9 Jun

    The Great American Road Trip

    In this episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Beverly Gage joins Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer, to discuss her recently published book, This Land Is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History, and the enduring tradition of the great American road trip. Together, they explore how family travel can bring 250 years of American history to life, connecting children and adults alike to the people, places, stories, and ideals that have shaped the nation. From George Washington's travels across the young nation to today's family road trips, Americans have long understood that one of the best ways to get to know the country is to experience it firsthand. Beverly and Julie discuss how museums, historic sites, national parks, local landmarks, and even unexpected roadside stops can spark curiosity, encourage meaningful conversations, and help families better understand America's past and present. The conversation concludes with Beverly, Julie, Lindsey Cormack, and Sarah Vacchiano sharing where they're road tripping with their own families this summer and reflecting on how travel can create lasting memories while inspiring a deeper appreciation for the ongoing American story.  Resources  Beverly Gage, This Land is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History (2026)  “America Turns 250: A Guide to the Coming Festivities,” The New York Times (Jan. 22, 2026)  “America 250 Calendar: Ways to Celebrate the Nation Across the Nation,” The Wall Street Journal (June 6, 2026) Stay Connected and Learn More  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Explore ⁠⁠⁠We the People⁠⁠⁠ for a deeper dive    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate   Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen   Join us at the ⁠⁠⁠museum⁠⁠⁠, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Support our important work:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠⁠

    The Great American Road Trip

  4. 3 Jun

    Justice Neil Gorsuch and Janie Nitze discuss their new children’s book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence

    In this special episode of Civic Parenting, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, honorary co-chair of the National Constitution Center, and his co-author and former law clerk Janie Nitze join Julie Silverbrook to discuss their new children’s book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence. The book introduces readers to both familiar figures such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, as well as lesser-known participants in the American story, including Caesar Rodney, and Mary Katharine Goddard. Together, their stories highlight the risks, choices, and debates that shaped the nation’s founding.   Justice Gorsuch and Nitze also discuss how stories can help children connect with the founding era, why it matters to introduce young learners to both famous and lesser-known figures from our nation's past, and how families can use America's 250th anniversary as an opportunity to deepen civic curiosity, strengthen historical understanding, and help prepare the next generation for the responsibilities of citizenship and self-government.  Resources   Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence  National Constitution Center, Civic Story Hour with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch and Janie Nitze  National Constitution Center, The Declaration of Independence  National Constitution Center, Family Learning Resources  National Constitution Center, Civic Quest, a new play-based family learning experience  National Constitution Center, NCC Trivial Pursuit: Exploring America’s Story (Bitesize)  Julie Silverbrook, “At 250, America Needs Civic Parenting, Not Just Civics Classes,” The Fulcrum (May 5, 2026) Stay Connected and Learn More  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Explore ⁠⁠We the People⁠⁠ for a deeper dive    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate   Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen   Join us at the ⁠⁠museum⁠⁠, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Support our important work:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠

    Justice Neil Gorsuch and Janie Nitze discuss their new children’s book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence

  5. 19 May

    Learning Civic Hope, Optimism, and Resilience Alongside Our Children

    In this episode, we explore how families can cultivate civic hope, optimism, and resilience at a moment when many parents and children are navigating narratives of distrust, division, and social isolation. Ashley Berner, director of the Johns Hopkins University's Institute for Education Policy and an associate professor of education, joins Julie Silverbrook, Lindsey Cormack, and Sarah Vacchiano to discuss how resilience, hope, and optimism begin in the everyday moments of family life — learning frustration tolerance through a difficult puzzle, negotiating responsibilities at home, caring for shared spaces, and practicing how to disagree respectfully while remaining connected to one another.  Throughout the conversation, we examine how these small relational experiences help children build the psychological and civic muscles necessary for life in a constitutional democracy. We talk about the importance of teaching children that democracy is not built on unanimity, but on learning how to live, work, and solve problems together despite our differences. Together, we reflect on how families, schools, libraries, museums, and local civic institutions can work together to nurture the next generation of engaged citizens and strengthen the habits of self-government that sustain constitutional democracy.  Resources  National Constitution Center, Family Learning Resources  National Constitution Center, Civic Quest, a new play-based family learning experience  National Constitution Center, NCC Trivial Pursuit: Exploring America’s Story (Bitesize)  Julie Silverbrook, “At 250, America Needs Civic Parenting, Not Just Civics Classes,” The Fulcrum (May 5, 2026)  Rick Hess, “What Is Civic Hope? And Why Should Schools Care About It?,” Education Week (March 17, 2026)   Lindsey Cormack, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's up to You to Do It) (2024)  Sarah Vacchiano, Civic EQ  Stay Connected and Learn More  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Explore ⁠We the People⁠ for a deeper dive    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate   Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen   Join us at the ⁠museum⁠, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Support our important work:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠

    Learning Civic Hope, Optimism, and Resilience Alongside Our Children

  6. 28 Apr

    All Parenting Is Civic: How Civic Life Begins at Home

    In this inaugural episode, Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer of the National Constitution Center, Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen, and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ introduce civic parenting as a longstanding tradition rooted in the nation’s founding and explore what it looks like in practice today. Through personal stories and lived examples, they reflect on how civic identity takes shape over time, often in ways that are informal, unplanned, and deeply embedded in family life. They discuss how the habits of self-government are formed not only in the classroom, but at home—around dinner tables, before bedtime, on national holidays, and in everyday moments. These are the spaces where children begin to learn how to listen, reason, ask questions, and see themselves as part of a larger civic community. Civic parenting does not require expertise in history or government—it starts with curiosity, conversation, and a willingness to learn alongside children. By modeling thoughtful engagement, civil dialogue, and a sense of shared responsibility, parents and caregivers can create the “civic sparks” that invite young people into the American story and help to prepare them for a lifetime of participation in our constitutional democracy.  Resources  National Constitution Center, Family Learning Resources  National Constitution Center, Civic Quest, a new play-based family learning experience  Lindsey Cormack, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why it's up to You to Do It), (2024)  Sarah Vacchiano, Civic EQ  Stay Connected and Learn More  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠  Explore We the People for a deeper dive    ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate   Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen   Join us at the museum, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠  Support our important work:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate

  7. 22 Apr

    Civic Parenting

    What does it mean to raise citizens in a constitutional democracy? Civic Parenting is a special 10-episode series hosted by Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer of the National Constitution Center, joined by Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen, and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ. Each episode explores how those habits take shape in real life. From reading and storytelling to navigating disagreement, from family routines to community experiences, the series offers practical ways to connect everyday moments to the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. This is a series for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who believes that the work of citizenship begins at home. FollowCivic Parenting in your favorite podcast app and join a national conversation about how we raise the next generation of citizens.

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About

Civic Parenting is a special 10-episode series hosted by Julie Silverbrook of the National Constitution Center, joined by Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen, and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ. Together, they explore how civic learning takes shape in the ordinary moments of family life. Civic parenting is the intentional practice of welcoming children into the American story and preparing them for the responsibilities of self-government. Listen to Civic Parenting and join a national conversation about how we raise the next generation of citizens.

Information

  • Channel
    National Constitution Ctr
  • Creator
    National Constitution Center
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 National Constitution Center. All Rights Reserved.

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