Arkansas 250 Newsletter

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January 2026, Issue VIII

On July 4, 2026, America celebrates its semiquincentennial, the commemoration of the 250-year anniversary since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This anniversary encourages Arkansans to reflect on our role in the creation of our nation: as individuals, as communities, and as a state. Over the next year, events across The Natural State will highlight the people, places and history that have helped shape our state and nation.

Learn more

Arkansas Celebrates America250 Tree

The Arkansas Celebrates America250 Tree is currently on display at the State Capitol.

The theme, Arkansas Celebrates My Community, comes to life through the extraordinary creativity of students across our state. Their ornaments, inspired by the people, places, and stories that make their communities unique, are proudly showcased in the historic Old Supreme Court Room through mid-January.

Thank you to all the educators and students who helped bring Arkansas’ story and their communities to life through art and imagination.

Can’t make it to the Capitol? Explore every ornament in our digital gallery at:

Arkansas Celebrates America250 Tree

Commissioners Visit Batesville

On Thursday, Dec. 4, Arkansas250 Commissioners Judge Dale James, and Clinton Mayor Richard McCormac traveled to Batesville to visit with city leaders, including Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh, about their semiquincentennial plans. They met at the River Steakhouse overlooking the White River.

Batesville has an annual Independence Day festival called the Citizens Bank Celebrate America festival. They will be incorporating America250 plans into their annual celebration.

Our American Story Visit

In July, America250 lauched its Our American Story initiative, which is designed to capture the stories and voices of everyday Americans. The cross-country tour kicked off the initiative in Washington, D.C. and will travel to every state, visiting communities and capture stories. Our American Story came to Arkansas in October and stopped in Bentonville and Little Rock, where they visited with several people. The Little Rock visit took place at the Old State House Museum.

America250 recently released a YouTube video of highlights from that visit, which you can watch here:

Our American Story

America Waves

On Thursday, Dec. 4, Arkansas participated in America250’s America Waves initiative. A traveling American flag, which has been flown at overseas military cemeteries and in U.S. Territories, is traveling to all 50 states and being raised in significant locations. The last 13 stops for the flag will be the original 13 colonies, with a final stop in Washington, D.C.

The stop in Arkansas was at Fort Smith National Cemetery. The flag was raised by the Choctaw Honor Guard. Speakers included Arkansas250 Commissioner Joel Lynch, NFF Board Member Paul Wanstreet, UAFS History Professor Tom Wing, Sebastian County Judge Steve Hotz, Col. J.R. Dallas, and Sebastian County Administrator Mark Allen.

January Commission Meeting

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Arkansas250 Commission held their monthly meeting at headquarters of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Topics discussed included the county flag initiative, the recent participation in the America Waves initiative, ADE’s Christmas ornament project, America’s Field Trip, and community visits. They also heard presentations from the top five finalists of the Arkansas250 artwork competition.

Presentation of America 250 Flag

On Saturday, the Arkansas 250 Commission and Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester presented an America 250 flag at Oaklawn in Hot Springs, marking the first unveiling of one of the flags in our state. From left to right: Louis Cella, Judge Dale James, Jan Zimmerman, Ebony Kenrick, Secretary of State Cole Jester, Tanya Mims, ADPHT Secretary Shea Lewis, Col. Joel Lynch, and Wayne Smith.

Do you have an upcoming Arkansas250 event or a meeting or presentation about Arkansas250? Be sure to add them to our online calendar at:

Arkansas250 Events

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