U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Visits Kentucky on History Rocks! and Returning Education to the States Nationwide Tours

GEORGETOWN, K.Y. - Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Georgetown Middle School in support of the Department's History Rocks!Trail to Independence tour and Bluegrass Community and Technical College in support of her Returning Education to the States Tour. The History Rocks! tour is a nationwide effort to highlight innovative approaches to teaching U.S. history ahead of our nation's 250th anniversary in 2026. On her Returning Education to the States tour, Secretary McMahon is visiting all fifty states to hear from students, teachers, and leaders about best educational practices in their own communities.

Secretary McMahon began the visit by touring Georgetown Middle School to promote the History Rocks! initiatives and participated in an assembly with more than three hundred students in seventh and eighth grades, who played interactive activities designed to deepen their understanding of American history and civics and the important role Kentucky has played in our nation's history. The event opened with remarks from Secretary McMahon, Scott County Schools Superintendent Billy Parker, and Georgetown Middle School students.

Secretary McMahon then visited Bluegrass Community and Technical College to advance her Returning Education to the States Tour, touring advanced manufacturing education and technician classrooms. Secretary McMahon then participated in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Workforce Roundtable at Toyota Manufacturing Facility, the company's largest vehicle manufacturing plant in the world.

"As the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has earned its reputation as an important place in our nation's history," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "It was wonderful to see students engaging with the Bluegrass State's robust history and observe Kentucky's efforts to equip the next generation of our nation's workforce. By teaching both practical learning and strong appreciation for America's core values, Kentucky's students are becoming well-prepared to thrive in the years ahead."

Background

The History Rocks! initiative is a key component of the U.S. Department of Education's America 250 celebrations, coordinated with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, a national partnership with the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and more than 50 national and state organizations. This coalition is dedicated to advancing civic education and expanding opportunities for students to learn about the ideas, individuals, and events that define the American story.

Secretary McMahon, Administration officials, and education leaders will visit schools in all 50 states to showcase examples of high-quality history and civics instruction that bring American principles to life. The tour will feature hands-on learning activities, opportunities for students to explore their roles as future leaders, and conversations with community members about how to strengthen civic education nationwide.

Learn more about the Department's America 250 initiatives here.

Freedom 250 leads the presidential programming for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. Its mission is to unite Americans around one shared purpose-celebrating the Triumph of the American Spirit by honoring our history, cherishing our freedoms, and building the golden age of opportunity for the next 250 years.

Learn more about Freedom 250 here.

On her Returning Education to the States Tour, Secretary McMahon is traveling to all 50 states to hear directly from teachers, parents, and community leaders about what is working in their communities for their students and compile a toolkit of best practices to distribute to states.

Learn more about Secretary McMahon's Returning Education to the States tour here.