Kentucky Historical Society Plans to Celebrate United States 250th Anniversary
In 2026 the United States celebrates its 250th birthday. To commemorate this sestercentennial anniversary, the Kentucky Historical Society seeks input from citizens, historians, cultural workers, and institutions statewide about what they would like to see during this commemoration. While the bicentennial in 1976 was largely focused on celebrating the founding of the U.S.A., the 250th will reflect on where we have come and how we have grown over the last 250 years. America250KY will explore Kentucky’s role in the United States over the last 250 years, celebrating people, places, and significant events since the founding of the United States of America. Throughout October we will be on the road conducting community conversations to help guide this work and hope you will join us to share what you value about your community and Kentucky. These conversations will create a framework of what people around the Commonwealth want from statewide and local commemorations, guiding our work over the next few years. They are excellent opportunities to meet others and brainstorm topics of historical significance to highlight in the lead-up to 2026. Currently, we have the following nine sessions scheduled:
- Ashland – Wed, Oct 5, 1-3 pm EST at the Highlands Museum & Discovery Center
- Bowling Green – Wed, Oct 19, 4-6 pm CST at the Kentucky Museum
- Covington – Thu, Oct 6, 1-3 pm EST at the Behringer-Crawford Museum
- Lexington – Tue, Oct 11, 1-3 pm EST at the Lyric Theatre
- Louisville – Thu, Oct 13, 1-3 pm EST at the Muhammad Ali Center
- Middlesboro – Thu, Oct 27, 1-3 pm EST at the Bell County Historical Society
- Owensboro – Thu, Oct 20, 1-3 pm CST at the Owensboro Museum of Science & History
- Paducah – Wed, Oct 12, 10 am – 12 pm CST at the McCracken County Public Library
- Prestonsburg – Wed, Oct 26, 5:30 – 7:30 pm EST at the Mountain Arts Center