Wilmington to Host Exclusive Screening of ‘The American Constitution’ Documentary on August 10

Wilmington, DE — A captivating new historical documentary titled “The American Constitution” is set to premiere in an exclusive screening on Saturday, August 10, 2025, at the Delaware History Museum. The event promises to bring history to life with rare archival footage, expert interviews, and never-before-seen insights into the founding document that shaped the United States.

Organized by the Delaware Historical Society in partnership with Founders Legacy Films, the screening is expected to draw historians, students, legal scholars, and members of the general public with an interest in America’s constitutional legacy. The premiere will be followed by a panel discussion featuring the filmmakers and constitutional law experts.

About the Documentary: Revisiting the Blueprint of a Nation

“The American Constitution” is a 92-minute deep dive into the origins, development, and enduring impact of the U.S. Constitution. Directed by award-winning documentarian Laura Merrick, the film traces the debates that took place during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and examines how those discussions continue to shape modern American governance.

The documentary brings together historical reenactments, expert commentary, and digitally restored primary documents to create a vivid narrative. It includes commentary from notable figures such as Yale Law Professor Akhil Reed Amar, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed, and retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.

“This is not just about parchment and signatures,” said Merrick. “It’s about power, identity, freedom, and the ever-changing meaning of democracy in America.”

Event Details and Community Impact

The screening will begin at 6:30 PM on Saturday, August 10, at the Old Town Hall Theater, part of the Delaware History Museum campus located at 504 Market Street, Wilmington, DE. Seating is limited and attendees are encouraged to register in advance through the museum’s official site.

A Q&A session and moderated panel discussion will follow the screening, featuring:

• Laura Merrick – Director and Executive Producer

• Dr. James Holloway – Chair of American Legal History, University of Pennsylvania

• Judge Tanya Ramirez – U.S. District Court for Delaware

• Emcee: Thomas V. Carper, former U.S. Senator and Delaware Governor

“We are honored to host this important cultural moment here in Wilmington,” said Allison Lowe, Executive Director of the Delaware Historical Society. “The Constitution isn’t just a historical document—it’s a living guide, and this film makes that clear in powerful ways.”

Local educators have expressed interest in using the film as a teaching tool in civics and history courses, and the event will also feature booths offering educational resources and voter registration information.

Why Wilmington? A Site of Constitutional Significance

Though often overshadowed by Philadelphia, Wilmington played a key role in early American history. Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787, earning its nickname as “The First State.” Holding the documentary’s premiere here serves as a tribute to Delaware’s foundational role in U.S. history.

Wilmington’s historical significance is further highlighted through the support of institutions like the Delaware Law School, whose constitutional law scholars helped vet historical accuracy during post-production.

Film’s Broader Release and Streaming Plans

Following its exclusive Wilmington screening, “The American Constitution” is slated for a limited theatrical run in select cities including Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, and Washington D.C. later in August. A wider digital release will follow in October 2025 via platforms like PBS Documentaries and Apple TV+.

The documentary is already generating buzz on educational and political platforms. A preview clip shared on Smithsonian Magazine shows a dramatization of George Mason’s objections during the final days of the Constitutional Convention.

Viewers and educators will also have access to supplementary materials through FoundersLegacy.org, including lesson plans, discussion guides, and interactive timelines.

Community Anticipation Builds

Residents of Wilmington and surrounding areas have welcomed the screening as a unique opportunity to engage with their historical identity.

“My grandfather always said democracy is not a spectator sport,” said Carmen Rhodes, a local high school teacher planning to attend with her senior civics class. “This film is the kind of reminder we need right now.”

Conclusion: A Must-Watch for Every American

“The American Constitution” is more than a history lesson. It’s a call to understand and engage with the framework that governs the United States. In today’s polarized political climate, the film provides a timely and thought-provoking perspective on the values, contradictions, and evolution of American democracy.

With its exclusive debut in Wilmington—America’s “First State”—the documentary’s message resonates even louder: The Constitution is not just a piece of history. It’s a living, breathing document, and its future is in our hands.