News Blog

America 250 Civics Education: How the Freedom Plane Is Igniting Constitutional Literacy Across America

This week, something extraordinary is happening across America. A Boeing 737 christened the "Freedom Plane" is carrying the most important documents in American history on a tour of eight major cities. The Declaration of Independence. The Constitution. Oaths signed by George Washington. Treaties that formed a nation. For the first time in history, these founding-era documents are leaving the vault and traveling together to be seen by Americans in their own communities. This i

Rich Washburn

May 34 min read

From a Pocket Constitution in My Face to 1 Million Students: Why I Started The 917 Society

I never read the Constitution. I know — I'm educated. I have a degree in biology and chemistry. I voted in every election. I thought I was doing my civic duty. Then one day, a man pulled a pocket Constitution out of his pocket, put it in my face, and asked: "When is the last time you read your Constitution?" I didn't have an answer. Because the honest truth was — I never had. Not really. Bits and pieces for middle school quizzes, sure. But the actual document? Never. And

Joni917

Apr 184 min read

Honoring the Constitution: The 917 Society’s Grassroots Journey to Every 8th‐Grade Classroom

September 17, 2025 marks the culmination of a vision born in Middle Tennessee in 2016: a volunteer-driven mission to put the U.S. Constitution in the hands of every 8th grader in America. What began as a handful of patriots distributing pocket Constitutions in middle Tennessee near Nashville—through faith, forging relationships, and private generosity—into a nationwide classroom celebration reaching all 50 states. From Middle Tennessee to Coast-to-Coast In the fall of 2016, a

Ethan Justice

Jul 14, 20252 min read

A Culture Starving for Truth: How King of Kings and the 917 Society Echo the Same Cry for a Nation to Return to God

As Americans pour into theaters to watch King of Kings , Angel Studios’ faithful retelling of the life of Christ, it’s clear something...

Rich Washburn

Apr 11, 20253 min read

Why I Started the 917 Society—and Why the Constitution Still Matters

If you had told me ten years ago that I'd be leading a national movement to get the U.S. Constitution into the hands of eighth graders, I...

Joni917

Mar 28, 20255 min read

Historic Homecoming: The Declaration of Independence Returns to the Oval Office

In a powerful tribute to America’s founding principles, President Donald Trump has prominently displayed the Declaration of Independence in the Oval Office—for the first time in history. This historic decision highlights the enduring significance of the document that gave birth to our nation and reaffirms the importance of remembering and honoring our country’s foundations. Bringing History to the Forefront During an exclusive interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham, Trump of

Rich Washburn

Mar 20, 20252 min read