America 250 Civics Education Coalition Executive Director Katie Gorka Highlights Civics Education at “History Rocks!” Event in New Hampshire

MANCHESTER, NH - Today, Katie Gorka, Executive Director of America 250 Civics Education Coalition, visited The Founders Academy as part of the Department of Education's national History Rocks!Trail to Independence tour, in celebration of America's upcoming 250th birthday. The tour aims to strengthen civic literacy by helping students personally connect with America's founding principles.

Over 300 students in ninth through twelfth grade participated in interactive games designed to deepen their understanding of American history, civics, and the important role New Hampshire has played in our nation's history. The event centered around civic engagement, patriotism, and the shared responsibility of citizenship. It opened with remarks from the Founders Academy's Dean Cassie Hayes, Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais, Manchester Historical Society and Millyard Museum Historian Kristy Ellsworth, and Katie Gorka.

"New Hampshire holds a unique place in America's civic story, from its early leadership in the fight for independence to its enduring tradition of active citizenship," said America 250 Civics Education Coalition Executive Director Katie Gorka. "Through the History Rocks! tour, we want students to see that the ideas that shaped our nation - liberty, self-government, and civic responsibility - are not just lessons in a textbook. As we approach America's 250th anniversary, it's exciting to see students here in Manchester engage with our history and recognize how they will carry those founding principles forward."

Background

The History Rocks! initiative is a key component of the U.S. Department of Education's celebrations for America's 250th birthday, in partnership with Freedom 250 and coordinated with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition. 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.

Learn more about the Department's Semiquincentennial 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.

The America 250 Civics Education Coalition is 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.