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Take a moment away from reading the political headlines and instead get involved writing some historic political activism. Described as "activism for introverts," all are invited to a free event called Handwriting the Constitution at The Old Stone House in Brooklyn. Quite fittingly, the venue is the site of the first—and largest—Revolutionary War Battle, the Battle of Brooklyn on August 27, 1776.
This social art project will be hosted on Monday, April 7, at 6-8pm and then will continue on the first Monday of the month for the rest of the year. RSVPs are requested here, but walk-ins are welcome. The event offers a calm, quiet gathering where writing the words of the Constitution encourages attendees to connect and reflect on them.
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The project is intended as a labor of love that reflects on the meaning and rights enshrined within the founding document.
"As they write, participants engage with the Constitution, finding that the words connect and resonate in a new light," event organizers say. "Writing out the words is a way to reflect on the human rights the document enshrines and to deepen understanding of the laws created to protect these rights."
The concept for Handwriting the Constitution was developed in 2017 by conceptual artist Morgan O'Hara.
"This is a powerful and transformative form of activism for introverts," O'Hara said in a press release. "The goal of this social art practice is to encourage people to create a physical and psychological space that explores the practice of concentrated writing as an art form, and a process designed to bring people together in a quiet and calming way, all by focusing on human rights."
Historian and educator Maggie Weber will facilitate the event. There is no political discourse or discussion at these sessions, just a warm welcome and a positive sense of shared purpose. Copies of the Constitution and some writing materials will be on hand, but participants are welcome to bring their own.
If you've never been to The Old Stone House, it's definitely worth checking out this Revolutionary War battle site. History tends to ignore this battle because the Americans had to retreat, but this defeat bears an important message: The bravery and persistence of a small group of soldiers allowed the Continental Army to escape, regroup, and live to fight again another day. Find The Old Stone House at 366 3rd Street in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood.