In the summer of 1776, separation from Great Britain was not a foregone conclusion, nor did all colonists think that independence was necessarily in their best interest. And while the Declaration of Independence represents a dawn of a new form of self-governance, the promise of its ideals—that all men are created equal—was denied to many inhabitants of the newly-formed nation.
In the Mock Continental Congress, middle and high school students will recreate the debates that led to our revolutionary national origin.
Over the course of the day, students will will engage first-hand with history, civil dialogue, parliamentary procedure, and the complex questions considered by members of the Second Continental Congress.
For Participating Students…
Registration for the 2025 Mock Continental Congress is closed.
For students who have been notified about participation, please have a parent/guardian complete this form [registration is closed].
What to Expect
The Mock Continental Congress is an immersive, day-long educational experience in which students will engage with the historical considerations around American independence.
The day will involve collaboration with students from other schools, as different groups research and debate the different perspectives of representatives to the Second Continental Congress. Ideal participants will be enthusiastic about collaborating with peers, open to adopting different historical perspectives, and able to engage respectfully with others (even when disagreeing).
The day will include sessions in small groups, presentations by noted historians, and opportunities for student presentations.
Lunch will be provided.
Wondering what the day will be like?
Please watch the recording of the orientation to learn more about the day. The password is:
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Questions?
Email Scott Abbot, Center for Civics Education, University of Delaware, at sabbott@udel.edu.
The Mock Continental Congress is a partnership between Delaware 250, Delaware Historical Society, Delaware First State Heritage Park, and the Biden School for Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware.
