First Amendment Center

Congress shall make no law respecting 

an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; 

or abridging the freedom of speech, 

or of the press; 

or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,  

and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

- United States Constitution

  Bill of Rights

First Amendment

Founded in 1991 by John Siegenthaler, the First Amendment Center serves to educate the public on their rights as afforded by the First Amendment.  In a speech given during the announcement of the Center's founding on December 15, 1991, Siegenthaler said that the Center would be a "catalyst" for studying the values protected by the First Amendment.  He made the announcement on the 200th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights.

The John Siegenthaler First Amendment Center (left) is located on the Vanderbilt University Campus in Nashville and is associated with the Freedom Forum and Newseum in Washington, DC.  As I mentioned, the First Amendment Center strives to educate the public on its rights as American citizens.  There is a display (above) in the upstairs hallway with papers and photos documenting some of the fights for freedom various citizens have faced over the life of this country.  In addition, the Center sponsors workshops, speeches and concerts (See yesterday's post.).

Many people don't realize the Center even exists, much less that it is in Nashville.  If you get a chance to visit the area, I highly suggest a trip over.

For more information, check out the website by clicking here.