U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has announced the launch of the U.S. Department of Education’s History Rocks! Trail to Independence Tour, which will visit schools in all 50 states as part of preparations for the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. The initiative aims to recognize excellence in civics education and promote a shared understanding of the founding principles and history of the nation.
The tour will begin this week with visits to Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.
“I am thrilled to kick off the History Rocks Tour as part of the Department of Education’s celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “I look forward to highlighting excellence in patriotic education, civic literacy, and student-driven civics projects in classrooms across the country. Preparing the next generation of American leaders to understand and appreciate the blessings of liberty our Constitution secures has never been more urgent.”
The History Rocks! initiative is a central element of the Department’s America 250 celebrations. It is organized in coordination with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition—a partnership that includes national organizations such as America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and over 50 other groups at both state and national levels. The coalition works to advance civic education and broaden opportunities for students to learn about key ideas, people, and events that have shaped American history.
Throughout the tour, Secretary McMahon and other officials will highlight examples of effective history and civics teaching practices across various schools. Activities will include hands-on learning experiences for students, discussions on leadership roles for young people, and engagement with community members on ways to strengthen civic education nationwide.
