America250KY Objectives, Focus Areas & Themes

Objectives 

Four objectives will inspire programs and activities for the Amerca250KY commemoration. 

Heritage Tourism  

Enhance Kentucky’s tourism industry by drawing visitors from outside the commonwealth to local museums, historic sites, and historic organizations. 

Education

Increase awareness and knowledge of Kentucky history and the people of the past and present through new materials, lesson plans, exhibits, public programs, and digital and tangible resources. 

Signature Events

Local and statewide events will raise awareness and enthusiasm for America’s 250. Events can include speaker series, dedication ceremonies, themed programming, and other activities aligned with America250KY. 

Legacy Projects

Our history, both local and national, affects every aspect of how we live today. Through the 250, we will preserve our history, learn from it, and pass it on for future generations to foster unity and celebrate Kentucky’s unique identity.

Focus Areas & Themes

All events, programs, and activities using the America 250KY logo must align with one or more of the official America 250KY themes listed below:

Revolutionary Experiment

Our founding mothers and fathers did not have all the answers. They knew America was a revolutionary experiment and they expected future generations to improve upon their work. The four editions of the Kentucky constitution serve as a prime example of this experiment as people advocated for their inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This history is not always uphill, but full of both advancements and setbacks. This theme allows us to reflect on Kentucky’s and the nation’s founding ideals and encourages discussions about our democracy and civic institutions.  

We The People

Since the settlement of Kentucky lands by Native groups, what it means to be a Kentuckian has changed. The definition and process of citizenship has altered drastically over the past 250 years in both Kentucky and the United States. Today, there are many different people who call Kentucky home.

Power of Place

Our natural and built environments shape our identities. Over the past 250 years, our environment and those that reside in it, have changed. Across the regions of Kentucky today, how people identify with the Commonwealth varies. Although our experiences and perspectives differ from region to region, we all share history. This history allows us to draw similarities between different places to help us better understand the past and present.

Crossroads in History

Since 1776, Kentucky has stood at the crossroads of multiple historic movements, from westward expansion, the Civil War, the Trail of Tears, the Underground Railroad, the Great Migration, and more. Moreover, Kentucky’s political and cultural output has expanded far beyond the state, influencing our nation’s history and broader social trends.

Doing History 

By exploring state and local history during the 250th, Kentuckians can use the past to better understand our roles and responsibilities within our communities today. To accomplish this, Kentuckians can visit museums and historic sites and discuss why history is important today. By engaging with history, we become better-informed citizens who understand where America has been and where it’s going.