Sept. 17-23 is Constitution Week, and the Colonel William Allen Chapter will commemorate it with various events.

DAR national headquarters covers an entire block in the center of Washington, D.C., between C and D streets and 14th and 15th. The address is 1776 D St. and is open to the public for tours. DAR Constitution Hall is a memorial to that immortal document, the Constitution of the United States, in which are incorporated the principles of freedom, equality and justice for which our forefathers fought and sacrificed. DAR Constitution Hall is the only structure dedicated to the U.S. Constitution.

In 1955, the Daughters of the American Revolution petitioned the U.S. Congress to dedicate Sept. 17-23 of each year to the commemoration of Constitution Week. Congress adopted the resolution and on Aug. 2, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into Public Law #915.

The week is celebrated to encourage the study of the historical events that led to the framing of the Constitution and signing on Sept. 17, 1787, 234 years ago; to remind the public that the Constitution is a living document, the basis of Americans’ great heritage and foundation for its way of life, and to emphasize each citizen’s responsibility to protect, defend and preserve this most important document.

Each year the Colonel William Allen Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution strive to promote, educate and participate in Constitution Week. The chapter will hold the following events to commemorate the week:

At 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, the time and day of the signing of the Constitution, church bells will be rung 13 times for the original 13 colonies. Ring your bells too!

Three dozen patriotic painted rocks have been hidden in and around Smithfield. Find one and return it to the Isle of Wight Museum for a prize. Parents of children, please sign a photo release for any pictures taken.

Constitution displays will be placed in area libraries and schools.

On Sept. 18, the Colonel William Allen chapter will have a booth at the farmers market across from the Smithfield Inn, with displays, the Mayor’s Proclamation, fun facts, book marks, pencils and candy. DAR information will also be available.

On Sept. 23-24, three local schools will be visited by James (Father of the Constitution) and Dolley Madison from Montpelier. Group games with prizes will be awarded and each student will receive a copy of the Constitution.