In this episode, Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, sits down with Adam, Kelsey, and 7-year-old Dominic Varahachaikol to explore how one family has woven civic learning into everyday life, demonstrating what it means to be civic parents. From discovering the National Constitution Center through Civic Quest, the Centerʼs interactive, play-based learning experience, to becoming one of the families selected for the America at 250 Family Time Capsule Challenge, the Varahachaikols share how constitutional learning became a meaningful part of their family's story. On July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the family sealed a collection of meaningful objects into a time capsule that will remain on display in Signersʼ Hall at the National Constitution Center until September 2037, when they will return to reopen it during the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. What did they choose to preserve, and why? In this conversation, the Varahachaikols reveal the personal stories behind the objects in their time capsule, reflect on what it means to raise civically curious children, discuss what it means to be American at this historic moment, and share the “civic sparks” that have shaped their familyʼs commitment to learning, service, and the enduring promise of the Constitution. Their story offers an inspiring example of how families can embrace the civic decade, using the years between America's 250th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the Constitution to spark curiosity, strengthen civic habits, and deepen engagement in our nationʼs civic life.
Resources
“Short (and very long) term time capsules to be kept in Philly as part of America 250 celebrations,” Nick Kariuki for WHYY, July 3, 2026
“Reno family selected for America 250 time capsule ceremony in Philadelphia,” This Is Reno, July 13, 2026
“Local family participates in time capsule ceremony,” NBC10 Philadelphia, July 3, 2026
Civic Quest, National Constitution Center
Trivial Pursuit: Exploring America’s Story, National Constitution Center
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