Richard Dreyfuss's New 'Opus': Championing Civics Lessons and the Tools of Democracy
The Oscar-winning actor has found a new calling: citizen.
By: Michele Morris | Source: NRTA Live & Learn | August 31, 2007
Credit: Gary Bogdon for NRTA Live & Learn
Man with a mission: Richard Dreyfuss, Orlando, 2007, speaking out on the importance of teaching civics.
where to learn more
Listen to Richard Dreyfuss talk passionately about the neglected tools of democracy—reason, logic, civility, dissent, and debate—on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher.
Hear what he has to say to young citizens who are just becoming voters.
With Caroline Kennedy in 2003 at the launch of a public-private partnership to expand history teaching. (Photo by Diane Bondareff—AP/Wide World)
Trustee of the National Constitution Center
Richard Dreyfuss currently serves on the board of trustees of the nonprofit organization created by the Constitution Heritage Act in 1988. Located in Philadephia in the Independence National Historical Park, the National Constitution Center is non-partisan; its mission is to inform U.S. citizens about the Constitution in ways that convey its continuing relevance to American life.
The Freedom Exhibit Gallery, which opened in June 2005, offers changing exhibits that have covered Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, First Ladies, and baseball. Permanent exhibits include a multimedia history of the Constitution and, in the 350-seat Kimmel Theater, a production called "Freedom Rising."
In 2006, in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the center helped launched a history high school as a magnet school in the Philadelphia public school district.
Admission is $11 for seniors 65 and up; $12 for adults; $8 for children 4-12. Visitor facilities include a parking garage, a cafe overlooking Independence Mall (home of the Liberty Bell), and a museum store.
Updated in September, 2008 by the editors.
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