U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Georgetown, Kentucky, on January 15, 2026, as part of two national tours focused on history education and state-led educational practices.
At Georgetown Middle School, McMahon promoted the Department’s History Rocks! Trail to Independence tour. The program aims to highlight innovative approaches to teaching U.S. history ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026. During her visit, she attended an assembly with more than three hundred seventh and eighth grade students who participated in interactive activities about American history and civics. The event included remarks from Secretary McMahon, Scott County Schools Superintendent Billy Parker, and students from the school.
Following her visit to the middle school, McMahon toured Bluegrass Community and Technical College as part of her Returning Education to the States Tour. She observed advanced manufacturing education and technician classrooms before joining a Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Workforce Roundtable at Toyota Manufacturing Facility, which is noted as the company’s largest vehicle manufacturing plant globally.
“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.”
The History Rocks! initiative is part of the Department of Education’s America 250 celebrations in partnership with organizations such as America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and over fifty other groups nationwide. The coalition works to advance civic education by providing opportunities for students to learn about significant ideas, individuals, and events in American history.
During these tours, Secretary McMahon and other officials will visit schools across all fifty states to highlight high-quality instruction in history and civics that brings American principles into focus for students. Activities include hands-on learning experiences and discussions with community members about ways to strengthen civic education nationwide.
Freedom 250 leads presidential programming for America’s 250th anniversary celebration with a mission centered on honoring U.S. history while preparing for future opportunities.
On her Returning Education to the States Tour, Secretary McMahon is gathering feedback from teachers, parents, and community leaders throughout all fifty states with plans to compile a toolkit of effective educational practices for broader distribution.
