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Minnesotans Celebrate Constitution Day At History Center Event

Posted: Friday, September 18, 2015

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On Thursday, September 17, Governor Mark Dayton, Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea, and community leaders from across Minnesota hosted a special Constitution Day event to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta. The event was held at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. More than 200 members of the public attended the event.


Chief Justice Gildea, Governor Dayton, and David Mao at the MN History Center“For 800 years, Magna Carta has stood as an enduring symbol for the ideals of justice, the rule of law, and self-governance,” said Chief Justice Gildea. “Many of the rights and freedoms that are granted to us in our state and national constitutions today can trace their origins to Magna Carta."
 
This year marks the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, a charter sealed by King John of England at Runnymede, near Windsor, in 1215. Magna Carta has been called the “foundation of liberty” for its role in establishing the rule of law and imposing limitations on the power of the king.
 
Throughout 2015, events are being held across the world to celebrate and commemorate this important historical manuscript. As part of this global celebration, the Minnesota Judicial Branch partnered with a broad coalition of legal and civic organizations to bring the special exhibit titled, “Magna Carta: Enduring Legacy,” to Minnesota.
 
The exhibit, which was developed by the American Bar Association and the Law Library of Congress, features spectacular images of Magna Carta and related precious manuscripts, books, and other documents from all areas of the Library of Congress’s collections. These images and the accompanying text relate the story of Magna Carta and its role as a catalyst for the rule of law in a way that underscores the modern-day relevance of Magna Carta for viewers of all ages.
 
The Constitution Day event will also included a program featuring remarks from Gov. Dayton, Chief Justice Gildea, and David Mao, Deputy Librarian of Congress, with a special welcome from Minnesota Historical Society Deputy Director Dennis Meissner. 
 
The “Magna Carta: Enduring Legacy” traveling exhibit will be on display at the Minnesota State Law Library in St. Paul. The exhibit will be available for free, self-guided tours during regular library hours between September 18 and October 2.

 

Member of the public viewing the Magna Carta exhibit Members of the public viewing the Magna Carta exhibit video