In this special episode of Civic Parenting, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, honorary co-chair of the National Constitution Center, and his co-author and former law clerk Janie Nitze join Julie Silverbrook to discuss their new children’s book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence. The book introduces readers to both familiar figures such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, as well as lesser-known participants in the American story, including Caesar Rodney, and Mary Katharine Goddard. Together, their stories highlight the risks, choices, and debates that shaped the nation’s founding.
Justice Gorsuch and Nitze also discuss how stories can help children connect with the founding era, why it matters to introduce young learners to both famous and lesser-known figures from our nation's past, and how families can use America's 250th anniversary as an opportunity to deepen civic curiosity, strengthen historical understanding, and help prepare the next generation for the responsibilities of citizenship and self-government.
Resources
Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence
National Constitution Center, Civic Story Hour with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch and Janie Nitze
National Constitution Center, The Declaration of Independence
National Constitution Center, Family Learning Resources
National Constitution Center, Civic Quest, a new play-based family learning experience
National Constitution Center, NCC Trivial Pursuit: Exploring America’s Story (Bitesize)
Julie Silverbrook, “At 250, America Needs Civic Parenting, Not Just Civics Classes,” The Fulcrum (May 5, 2026)
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