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.