PHILADELPHIA − A pivotal event in the 2024 presidential race is set for Tuesday night at a Philadelphia location that was envisioned by Ronald Reagan 15 years before it opened its doors. This venue also hosted a significant speech by a prominent Democratic figure.

The National Constitution Center, where Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will engage in their inaugural presidential debate, is a modern attraction nestled in a historically rich area of the city, well-acquainted with national attention.

Despite various disagreements between the two campaigns over the debate rules and even skepticism about the event’s occurrence, the selection of the center as the ABC News-sponsored site was clear from the outset.

What Is the National Constitution Center?

The National Constitution Center is a private, nonprofit organization established on July 4, 2003. It features engaging exhibits and programs focused on the U.S. Constitution, government, and civic education. It regularly hosts discussions that attract diverse viewpoints and offers numerous online educational materials, including a blog detailing presidential debates.

According to its website, the center was created by President Ronald Reagan through the Constitution Heritage Act, which mandated the establishment of an institution “near Independence National Historical Park” to provide nonpartisan information about the Constitution and promote public understanding of it.

Current exhibitions include “We The People,” a detailed look at the Constitution; “American Treasures: Documenting the Nation’s Founding”; “Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality”; “Continuing Liberty: From the Declaration to the Bill of Rights”; and “The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Right to Vote.”

Signers’ Hall within the center displays 42 life-size bronze statues of the Founding Fathers who signed the Constitution, including notable figures like Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton.

Where Is the National Constitution Center Located?

The National Constitution Center finds its home in Philadelphia’s Center City. It’s just across from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other historic sites at Independence National Historical Park.

Its address, 525 Arch Street, signifies the date (May 25, 1787, or 5/25) when the Constitutional Convention commenced.

Why Is the Debate Taking Place at the National Constitution Center?

The National Constitution Center has previous experience hosting significant events.

Its mission is “to motivate individuals across America to understand the Constitution and appreciate the value of civil dialogue and thoughtful debate,” stated president and CEO Jeffrey Rosen, who described the debate as “a valuable opportunity for civic engagement for all Americans.”

In 2008, the National Constitution Center hosted a Democratic primary debate featuring then-senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. It also held a town hall event with Senator John McCain, who was the Republican presidential nominee that year.

That same year, Obama delivered a significant, nationally televised speech about race in America at the National Constitution Center. His “A More Perfect Union” speech was widely acknowledged as a critical moment in his campaign and is frequently referenced as a defining address on the subject of race by a political leader.

The Constitution Center also hosts the annual Philadelphia Liberty Medal,

We honor individuals whose bravery and strong beliefs promote the ideals of freedom. Notable recipients include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Anthony Kennedy, Senator John McCain, the Dalai Lama, Muhammad Ali, Congressman John Lewis, Hillary Clinton, and activist Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan.

Another consideration for hosting the debate in Philadelphia is that Pennsylvania is a key swing state. Both the campaigns of Harris and Trump have been actively visiting the state.

You can reach Phaedra Trethan  on X (previously known as Twitter) @wordsbyphaedra, or on Threads @by_phaedra