America 250

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 Veterans 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 on Tuesday, October 27, 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 with special exhibitions that highlight American history and Appalachian culture.

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