FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2026
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Contact: Deputy Chief of Communications Danyelle McNeill
501-324-9597 | [email protected]
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Arkansas250 Commission and ADPHT open exhibit
Little Rock - The Arkansas250 Commission and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT) is opening an exhibit to commemorate America’s semiquincentennial.
On March 4, 2026, “Before Us, Beyond Us,” will open to the public at the Old State House Museum. The exhibit will examine Arkansas’ history, from its indigenous roots through its Territorial days to modern times. It will also explore Arkansas’ place on the national stage and its influence on national history.
“This exhibit is unique because our Heritage museums worked together to create it. Our team of curators chose compelling items from across their collections as well as from Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, and other partners to help tell Arkansas’ incredible history,” said ADPHT Secretary Shea Lewis. “The exhibit also highlights the work ADPHT is doing today to share our remarkable natural resources and to increase tourism to the state.”
In 2024, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders created the Arkansas250 Commission and appointed to the commission 14 Arkansans from across the state. Its mission is to honor the rich history and beauty of the Natural State, inspiring Arkansans to appreciate and protect our state and our nation’s heritage through educational program and services opportunities.
Since its creation, the commission has introduced multiple initiatives to celebrate our nation’s anniversary, including a historical marker initiative, an Arkansas250 flag initiative, and a commissioned Arkansas250 painting to be unveiled in this exhibit.
The exhibit is free to attend and will run through December 2026. The Old State House Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-5 p.m.
To learn more about the Arkansas250 Commission and its work, visit: https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-250/home
To see photographs and video, visit: https://tourismarkansas.mediavalet.com/portals/Ark_250_Exhibit_Photos
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Arkansas Heritage
Arkansas Heritage was created in 1975 and is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. There are eight agencies with unique heritage focuses under the umbrella of this division: Arkansas Arts Council, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, the Old State House Museum, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the Historic Arkansas Museum and the Arkansas State Archives.
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism.
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