Morehead State Launches America 250 Celebration with Series of Events

As the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, Morehead State University is launching a series of America 250 programs that will engage students, faculty, staff and community members through lectures, exhibits, performances and educational events throughout the coming academic year.

"The 250th anniversary of our nation provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the principles, people and events that have shaped the United States and Kentucky," said MSU President Dr. Jay Morgan. "Through lectures, exhibits, performances and community events, Morehead State University is proud to highlight this time in our nation’s history.”

The celebration begins with Constitution Week in September, featuring educational programs, community events and discussions focused on the founding of the United States.

As part of Constitution Week and the McBrayer Presidential Lecture Series, MSU will welcome Dr. John Kleber on Wednesday, Sept. 16, for a lecture titled “Kentucky 250.” Kleber is a professor emeritus of history and retired dean of the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences at Morehead State University, as well as an acclaimed author and scholar, Kentucky Historian Laureate, and editor of The Encyclopedia of Louisville and The Kentucky Encyclopedia. He also served for more than 20 years as a senior fellow at the University of Louisville. Through “Kentucky 250,” Kleber will explore Kentucky’s rich history and its role in the nation’s story.

The Morehead State Community Concert will take place Friday, Sept. 18, at Battson-Oates Commons in downtown Morehead. This community initiative is in partnership with the Rowan County Veteran’s Museum, the City of Morehead and Downtown Morehead Inc. It will feature patriotic musical performances by MSU faculty, staff and students from the Department of Music & Theatre. This event welcomes community fellowship during the week of Constitution Day and MSU’s Family Weekend.

Constitution Week events include:

• Monday, Sept. 14 – Constitutional Law Trivia
• Tuesday, Sept. 15 – Constitution Panel: Review of the 25-26 Supreme Court Session and a preview of the 26-27 Session
• Wednesday, Sept. 16 – Annual reading of the U.S. Constitution by students at the Little Bell Tower

Additional Constitution Week events are being planned and will be announced in the coming weeks. Constitution Week is sponsored by the Department of History, Philosophy, Politics, Global Studies & Legal Studies.

The celebration will continue in October when the McBrayer Presidential Lecture Series hosts Dr. Gary Gregg, an award-winning political scientist and expert on the U.S. presidency. Gregg will discuss his latest book, “George Washington: Citizen, Soldier, Statesman,” published in June.

Gregg serves as the director of the University of Louisville's McConnell Center, a nonpartisan program that prepares graduating Kentucky high school seniors for careers in effective leadership.

The McBrayer Presidential Lecture Series brings nationally recognized scholars, historians and public leaders to campus. The lecture series is named in honor and in memory of MSU alumnus W. Terry McBrayer (Class of 1959), a Lexington attorney, lobbyist and former politician whose generous gift supports both the lecture series and student scholarships.

The Kentucky Folk Art Center is also participating in the University's America 250 celebration through special exhibitions highlighting American history and Appalachian culture.

“Commemorating America 250” at the Kentucky Folk Art Center is currently on display through Sept. 30.

A second exhibit, “From Function to Heritage: The Artistic Evolution of Appalachian Craft,” will be on display from July 30 through Aug. 26. The traveling exhibit explores the legacy of the Kentucky Guild Train, which traveled throughout Appalachia showcasing regional crafts and artisans. The exhibit features historical materials, photographs, and live demonstrations by chairmaker Terry Ratliff. A public reception will be held at KFAC from noon to 4 p.m. on Aug. 6.

To learn more about upcoming America 250 and other MSU events, visit our event calendar at www.moreheadstate.edu/events.

You can learn more about the City of Morehead's America 250 events by visiting their website, emailing info@cityofmorehead.net, or calling 606-784-8505.