John Marshall Foundation announces name change

Nonprofit is now John Marshall Center for Constitutional History & Civics

Published October 16, 2020 by Sydney Lake

Caroline Legros. Photo courtesy John Marshall Center for Constitutional History & Civics

The John Marshall Foundation, which raises funds for education about the rule of law under the Constitution, will now go by the John Marshall Center for Constitutional History & Civics, the nonprofit announced Friday.

“The new name seeks to convey to the public that everyone is invited, that people lie at the center of its mission, and that the organization is specially equipped to explore the nation’s constitutional history and to connect it to today through civics education programs, engagement opportunities, and exchanges about America’s past, present, and future,” according to a statement from the organization.

The Richmond-based nonprofit center also announced Friday it has named Caroline Legros as its director of education and programs. In her newly created position, Legros will lead new and existing education and outreach programs. She was previously a member of the Institute for Contemporary Art’s education team, where she co-developed and launched ICA’s inaugural public programming.

“This work feels especially important at a time when so many of the issues being debated in the nation’s public square have roots in the rule of law and civic responsibility,” Legros said in a statement. “Offering a richer understanding of where our nation has been will better equip citizens to decide how to shape its future.”

Legros’ hire is part of a multiyear planning process led by Bryan & Jordan Consultants that will also focus on developing a national academic center, conducting a sustainability study of the foundation’s civics education program and securing permanent office and programming space.

The center is currently working to design advanced placement lesson plans related to Marbury v. Madison, which established the principle of judicial review, as well as lessons about the “400-year struggle for Black equality” in America, according to the statement.