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51 Steps to Freedom to Host Constitution Day Event in D.C. on Sept. 17
Have You Ever Wanted to Add Your Name to the Constitution? 51 Steps To Freedom Will Make It Happen Wednesday at Franklin Park
51 Steps to Freedom, the augmented reality walking tour that transforms Washington, D.C., into the world’s largest outdoor museum, will offer people a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate Constitution and Citizenship Day on September 17 — they’ll be able to add their name to a digital wall in support of the U.S. Constitution.
51 Steps to Freedom will bring together students, supporters and historians to use its pilot app at Franklin Park at 1332 Eye St., NW in the District on September 17 from 9:00-9:30 a.m.
The app includes the first of 22 immersive stops in beta, featuring locations where participants can add their names at stops not only for the Constitution but also for the Declaration of Independence. They can then capture their names on digital photos.
Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
On September 17, the country will mark 290 days to July 4, 2026, when the country will celebrate its milestone birthday, America 250, also known as the semiquincentennial.
HH Leonards, the co-founder of 51 Steps to Freedom, says, “Our multimedia tour brings America’s untold stories to life in the palm of a person’s hand, right where they happened. From unsung changemakers to overlooked landmarks, the app allows users to explore the powerful legacies that continue to shape our nation’s path toward liberty and opportunity. Constitution and Citizenship Day is a perfect time to see how the app works and engages people.”
Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
51 Steps to Freedom, a nonprofit initiative, stands for “50 States, One Nation.” Organizers say the tour encourages visitors to explore the full breadth of D.C., as many of the stops are located in neighborhoods in addition to traditional, heavily visited areas.
Participants use the free mobile app to unlock interactive media, videos, music, artwork and archival audio that bring D.C.’s untold stories to life, in a format supporters compare to Pokémon GO.
More than a tribute to the past, 51 Steps to Freedom is designed with the hopes that visitors will feel a renewed sense of shared purpose and a personal connection to the ongoing American story.
The experience spans eight miles and includes over 300 stories. Some stops in the pilot app include: the Washington Monument, Frederick Douglass’ home, NASA headquarters, African American Civil War Memorial, The Howard Theatre and Lafayette Square Park.
The trail was developed with support from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Destination DC, Events DC, the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment, and the DC History Center.
Initial corporate funders are: Google; Graham Holdings; MTFA Architecture, PLLC; PNC Foundation; O Museum in the Mansion; and Towne Law Firm.
