News
Pa. Courts Partner with Walnut Theatre and Girard College to Advance Civics Education
January 21, 2026
Today, the Pennsylvania Courts joined with the Walnut Street Theatre Company and Girard College to bring civics education to life for a group of local middle school students.
On behalf of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Historical Commission, Commonwealth Court Judge Lori A. Dumas joined over 70 students at Girard College for a special performance of What 1776 Means to You and Me as part of the courts’ ongoing efforts to expand civics education opportunities across the state.
“Today gave students a unique and engaging way to experience the story of our nation’s founding and the creation of our system of government,” said Judge Dumas. “Civics education is essential to helping young people understand not only where our democracy comes from, but how it functions and why it depends on informed, engaged citizens.”
“By bringing history to life through performance, students are able to connect classroom lessons to real-world ideas about rights, responsibilities, and participation.”
Following the show, students participated in a lively Q&A with members of the Walnut Street Theatre production team, deepening their connection to the themes of civic engagement.
The event was part of the courts’ broader civics education outreach – which includes school visits, student contests, community partnerships, classroom resources, etc. To learn more, visit www.pacourts.us/civics-ed.
Founded in 1809, Walnut Street Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theatre in the U.S. and is committed to introducing students to the performing arts and the principles of civic engagement.
Girard College is a private five-day boarding school for academically capable students in grades 1-12 who come from underserved communities. The school was founded by Stephen Girard, a French immigrant and merchant, to provide young people with a quality education through a permanent endowment he established. Girard College, located on a 43-acre campus in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, opened in 1848.
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Media Contact: Casey Scheffler, 610-425-1712