Gilder Lehrman marks Constitution Day with new civics tools and teacher awards

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is rolling out updated civics resources ahead of Constitution Day on Sept. 17, including new Citizenship Test videos and the 2026 Building Better Citizens contest winners. The effort is aimed at helping teachers, students and the public better understand the Constitution, American government and citizenship.

Why it matters: - The Gilder Lehrman Institute is trying to make Constitution Day more than a symbolic observance. - The new resources are designed to help students and teachers understand how the Constitution, the naturalization test and civic responsibility connect to everyday life. - The effort also spotlights classroom civics instruction at a time when schools are looking for practical, ready-to-use materials.

What happened: - The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History highlighted new educational resources ahead of Constitution Day on Sept. 17. - The Institute expanded its Citizenship Test Video Library with historical context for questions on the U.S. naturalization test. - The Institute also announced the 2026 winners of its Building Better Citizens Contest. - The contest recognizes K–12 teachers for single-class-period civics lesson plans.

The details: - The Citizenship Test Video Library includes scholars, teachers and other experts explaining the people, events and principles behind naturalization test questions. - New videos cover American government, the judicial branch, major U.S. figures and key moments in history. - Featured videos include Dr. Liz Covart on Benjamin Franklin and Danielle Allen on two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. - The Building Better Citizens Contest produced 10 prize winners. - Jose Garcia Delgado of Elizabeth Learning Center in California won first place for a lesson plan titled “We the People: Reimagining the U.S. Citizenship Test and Civic Engagement.” - Two second-place winners and seven third-place winners also received prizes. - The full list of winners and lesson plans is available here. - James G. Basker, president and CEO of the Gilder Lehrman Institute, said Constitution Day is a chance to reflect on what citizenship means and how the Constitution continues to shape American life. - Basker said the Institute wants students to engage with American history and ask critical questions.

Between the lines: - The Institute is framing civics as active learning, not memorization. - The video library and contest both point to the same goal: helping educators turn constitutional history into classroom discussion and civic engagement. - The emphasis on teacher-created lesson plans suggests the Institute is leaning on educators as multipliers.

What's next: - The new videos and contest materials will remain available for teachers, students and history enthusiasts through the Institute’s civics resources. - Constitution Day on Sept. 17 gives the Institute a built-in moment to promote the materials and encourage classroom use. - The Institute’s broader history programs and primary-source archive remain part of its ongoing educational offer.