Celebrating The Constitution

On September 17, 1787, at the then-Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, the framing of the U.S. Constitution culminated at about 4:00 p.m. after 100 days of intense conversation and deliberation. The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in 1955 when they petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the US Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

This year the Martha Devotion Huntington DAR chapter in Bay Village has requested and received Constitution Day proclamations from 3 local governments including Bay Village Mayor Paul Koomar and Town Council (will receive at council meeting on 9/15/25), Olmsted Falls Mayor James Graven, and the Olmsted Township Trustees Riley Alton, Tom Cole, and Lisa Zver.

In addition, the chapter will be donating over 300 Constitution Booklets to area 8th grade students. The chapter aims to inspire the next generation to appreciate the Constitution’s significance and support the 8th grade U.S. History curriculum.

On September 17 at 4:00 p.m., our community will participate in the Bells Across America event, echoing the bell-ringing that celebrated the Constitution’s signing in 1787. Local churches including St. Raphael’s Church, St. Mary’s Church, and St. Barnabas Church will be ringing their bells in unison for one minute; members from the Martha Devotion Huntington chapter will be ringing the bells at Olmsted Falls Chapel and the bell in front of the Rose Hill Museum in Bay Village. We invite everyone to listen for this powerful tribute to our nation’s foundation! If you know of other local churches with bells that might want to participate, please encourage them to join this meaningful event.

Let’s come together to honor the Constitution and its enduring legacy! For more information about our chapter’s activities or to get involved, contact Registrar Nancy McGrew at mdhdar1776@gmail.com

Visit the National DAR’s Constitution Week page for additional resources and information at https://www.dar.org/outreach/education/constitution-week