What if your students didn’t just learn about the American Revolution – but stood in historic Philadelphia, argued a case from the founding era before a real judge?
As part of America’s 250th anniversary, the Rendell Center for Civics & Civic Engagement and Historic Philadelphia invites grades 4–8 teachers to participate in our America 250 History-Based Mock Trial Series, with the option to bring students to historic Philadelphia or a real courthouse for a culminating, unforgettable field-trip experience.
This is the most engaging civics activity I’ve ever done with my students. They owned the material and couldn’t stop talking about the trial.”
A One-Of-A-Kind Philadelphia Experience!
Participating classes may choose to:
- Conduct their mock trial in historic Philadelphia
- Present arguments in a real federal, state, or local courthouse
- Argue before a real judge, often in judicial robes
- Have students dress in period-inspired costumes
- Be guided by Rendell Center staff, volunteer attorneys, and judges
Teachers receive all trial materials in advance, allowing students to prepare roles and rehearse in class. On the day of the visit, students step into history—transforming their learning into a live courtroom reenactment connected directly to the nation’s founding.
Choose from Three America 250 Mock Trials
Why Teachers Love This Program
- Completely FREE
- Curriculum-aligned with history, ELA, and civics standards
- Full trial packets, primary sources, and student roles provided
- Flexible formats—reader’s theater, scripted, or student-created
- A meaningful, place-based way to celebrate America 250
Putting King George III on Trial
- Was the Declaration of Independence justified? Or was it Treason!
Betsy Ross on Trial for Treason
- Patriot or Traitor in Revolutionary Philadelphia?
The First Bank Robbery in America
- A real historical mystery in the nation’s first financial capital.
Why Students Never Forget It
Students don’t just visit Philadelphia—they become part of its story. Standing where history happened, presenting arguments aloud, and engaging with legal professionals creates a powerful connection to civic learning that textbooks alone cannot provide.
Hear What Other Teachers are Saying
My reluctant readers became leaders during the trial. Every student had a role and a voice.
I just wanted to say thank you for your support and amazing experience! When we got back from the courthouse, we had the students share their experience and a lot of them really loved it! The exercises that they went through were really great and the students who were able to be judges were really excited and bragged about their experience.
Multiple students walked away from the program, stating that they became better public speakers, writers, critical thinkers, and students due to the program. They said it was the first program in school history that applied to their regular life. It answered the question, ‘Why are we learning this?’ ‘Why is this important?’
Begin planning a mock trial experience for your class!
Bring your students to the birthplace of American democracy.
Let Them Take The Floor!
Spaces fill quickly each semester—reserve your classroom experience now!
To enroll, complete the form on this page or contact: