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Great Senate Debates Page

Where history comes to life

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Senate Chamber

The United States Senate has long been the scene of some of this nation’s most important oratory. The Institute brings these decisive deliberations to life in its newest program, Great Senate Debates. Blending live performance with historic film footage and archival images, this inspiring 20-minute program examines the context and importance of crucial turning points in Senate history, and reflects on their impact on our lives today.

Great Senate Debates: the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is currently running in the Institute’s Senate Chamber Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. This schedule is subject to change for special events.

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Current debate

The current Great Senate Debate is the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This program brings the decisive deliberation of the Civil Rights Act to life with archival footage of Martin Luther King and reenactments of pivotal speeches by legendary Senators Edward M. Kennedy, Robert Byrd, and Everett Dirksen.

Tickets

Don’t miss some of the most important speeches ever made on the Senate floor. Get your tickets now.

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Great Senate Debates is a daily program that takes place in Institute's Senate Chamber Tuesday through Sunday.

Great Senate Debates: the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is currently running in the Institute’s Senate Chamber Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. This schedule is subject to change for special events.



What you’ll experience


Experience democracy firsthand through interactive exhibits, live votes, and a full-scale replica of the Senate Chamber.

Learn more