Legal Studies (Pre-Law): Constitution Day

In 1951, Louisville resident Olga T. Weber distributed the Constitution and other patriotic documents at local churches, schools, and libraries because she wanted people to stop taking their freedoms for granted. In 1952, she met with Mayor Gerald Romary and the Louisville city council to champion celebrating Constitution Day. Her efforts continued and in April 1953, the Ohio General Assembly proclaimed September 17th as a statewide Constitution Day. Weber's work was instrumental in Representative Frank T. Bow taking the idea to the House of Representatives to make Constitution Day a national holiday in 1953.

On April 15, 1957 to the Louisville City Council proclaimed Louisville as Constitution Town. Four historical markers that explain Louisville's role as the originator of Constitution Day were placed at the main entrances to the city by the Ohio State Archaeological and Historical Society in 1958.

Constitution Day is the commemoration of the day that the 39 delegates of the Constitutional Convention completed and signed the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The Convention was convened to respond to the dissatisfaction of the Articles of the Confederation and the belief that there was a need for a strong centralized government.

In 1956, Congress established Constitution Week to encourage all Americans to learn more about the Constitution.

Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia passed a law in 2004 designating September 17th as Constitution Day.