The John Marshall Center (JMC), founded in 1987, educates learners of all ages about constitutional history and civics and explores the life and legacy of Chief Justice John Marshall (1755-1835). The JMC joined the Virginia Museum of History & Culture as a signature study center on July 4, 2023, and serves as a hub for civics education throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.
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Civics engagement is crucial to our nation’s health. The John Marshall Center at the VMHC is amplifying civics education as part of a multi-year commemoration of America’s 250th. With a new chapter ahead for civics education in Virginia, we wanted to know just how knowledgeable are Virginians about civics? Can the average adult answer the same questions our students are asked in school? Watch our new video now to find out!
Student & Teacher Programs
Bring engaging content to your classroom that incorporates award-winning plans about constitutional history and government, connects history with current events, and explores historical themes through exhibitions.
Book a Program
Explore civics history with our experienced educators through on-site field trips or virtual programs in your classroom. Contact us to learn more and book a program.
Lesson Plans
Enhance your classroom experience with dedicated award-winning Justice in the Classroom lesson plans focused on history, government, and civics grounded in constitutional principles.
Attorney & Judge Visits
Are you an educator interested in connecting your students with a judge or attorney to deepen their understanding of civics and law? Or, are you a judge or attorney interested in participating in a K-12 classroom program? Contact us to learn more or schedule a program.
John Marshall Center 2023 Teacher Awards
Nominations Open on Constitution Day (September 17)
Each year, the John Marshall Center honors a middle and high school teacher for excellence in teaching the U.S. Constitution. Nominations and applications will open September 17, 2023. Virginia history, civics, government, and social studies educators who have taught at the middle or high school level for at least five years are eligible. Winners will be announced November 17, at the Richmond Bar Association annual awards luncheon. Winners will receive a $2,500 honorarium.
Links
Related Content
Pop Civ Articles
By connecting current events and popular culture with historical events, these articles and discussion questions provide classrooms and the general public with valuable context to consider our civic legacy.
Program Recordings
Watch recordings of past programs featuring constitutional experts and enthusiasts speaking about the nuances and legacy of John Marshall, civics topics, and history education.
Citizenship Test
Far too few Americans know the basics of history and civics. Less than 1/3 of Americans can pass the citizenship test. Can you pass the test?
Virtual Exhibition Tour
Take a virtual tour of the exhibition, John Marshall: Patriot, Statesman, Chief Justice, developed by the National Constitution Center in partnership with The John Marshall Center.
About John Marshall
Historical Articles
Read articles about Marshall as historical figure, political leader, and Chief Justice.
American Statesman: John Marshall
Explore the classic biography of this national figure written by Allan B. Magruder.
The John Marshall Historical Collection
Browse artifacts in the museum collections related to the life, career, and legacy of John Marshall.
Support Civics Education
The VMHC and JMC do not receive any state government operating support. We need your help to bring civics education to all Virginians. Thank you in advance for your generosity that allows us to accomplish this important work!
Commemorating America's 250th with the VMHC
The VMHC will launch a series of special programs and initiatives leading up to July 4, 2026. This ambitious plan includes a multi-year portfolio of offerings, including two major exhibitions, with traveling versions moving around the state; a variety of public programs and lectures; and a series of new scholarly works focused on early American history.
Caroline Legros, Manager of Civics Education
Questions about educational resources or programs related to the John Marshall Center for Constitutional History & Civics at the VMHC? Please contact Caroline at CLegros@VirginiaHistory.org.
John Marshall Center Council
Joni Albrecht, Director of the John Marshall Center
Ryan W. Boggs
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Paul C. Harris
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