The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. As the presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention, George Washington played a crucial part in determining the shape of government and the country that he fought to establish.

With almost fatherly attention, Washington spent the rest of his life nurturing and protecting the integrity of the document that he swore to “preserve, protect and defend” at his Inauguration as the first President of the U.S. He declared in his farewell address, “The Constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all.”

Events will include a reading of a children’s history book on the Constitution at noon on the Visitor Center Observation Deck, said park ranger Phillip Greenwalt.

At 2 p.m., Greenwalt will present “The Constitution and its Remarkable History” in the Visitor Center Auditorium.

The George Washington Birthplace National Monument 4-H Heritage Club will demonstrate a variety of Colonial-era crafts such as hearth cooking and blacksmithing, he said.

Children, teenagers and adults can test their knowledge of the Constitution by completing an activity packet with trivia, games and puzzles, said Greenwalt. Each participant will earn a certificate. There also will be a chance to sign the Constitution with quill pen and ink in the Visitor Center along with other Constitution-related exhibits.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument at 1732 Popes Creek Road is some 11 miles west of Montross. Admission is free.