Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced the U.S. Department of Education’s (the Department) History Rocks! Trail to Independence Tour. As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, Secretary McMahon and other education leaders will visit schools in all 50 states to recognize excellence in civics education and promote a shared understanding of the principles that shaped the founding and history of our nation principles.
Secretary McMahon will kick off the tour 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.”
Background
The History Rocks! initiative is a key component of the U.S. Department of Education’s America 250 celebrations, coordinated with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, 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.
Secretary McMahon and Administration officials will visit schools in all 50 states to showcase examples of high-quality history and civics instruction that bring American principles to life. The tour will feature hands-on learning activities, opportunities for students to explore their roles as future leaders, and conversations with community members about how to strengthen civic education nationwide.