Each year on September 17, the University joins the nation in celebrating Constitution Day: the anniversary of the date when delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 signed the Constitution. The day was established as a federal observance in 2004 with the passage of an amendment by Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia. Government and Community Affairs informs Columbia’s student population of Constitution-related programming and opportunities to observe the day.
Free Pocket Constitutions
In recognition of Constitution Day, you can pick up a free pocket copy of the Constitution at the Office of Public Affairs in Low Library.
Additional Resources
John Jay served as president of the Continental Congress from 1778 to 1779. For those interested in learning more about this historic figure, Columbia’s Rare Book and Manuscript Library holds a unique and impressive collection of John Jay's papers, including a copy of the first bound volume of the Federalist Papers published in 1788, letters to and from George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, and more. For information, including background and biographical material, please visit the Papers of John Jay digital archive.
The Library of Congress American Memory site provides numerous resources on the Constitution. For a variety of other resources related to the Constitution, please visit the National Constitution Center website.
