Arkansas 250 Newsletter

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September 2025, Issue IV

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 250 Commission Launches Facebook Page

The Arkansas 250 Commission has created a Facebook page to share news, information, and updates about upcoming meetings, events, and places they’ll be speaking. Be sure to check out the page and like or follow it:

Arkansas 250 Facebook Page

Arkansas 250 Commissioners Present at NWAEDD Quarterly Meeting

On Wednesday, August 6, Arkansas 250 Commissioners Judge Dale James and Ebony Mitchell spoke at the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District’s quarterly meeting in Harrison about our nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. They discussed the celebration’s economic benefits for communities across the state, and the history and patriotism of the semiquincentennial.

Judge James said they enjoyed having the opportunity to share their work and future Arkansas 250 plans.

Arkansas 250 Commissioners Staff Table

From August 13 - 15, the Arkansas Association of Counties held their annual conference in Rogers. Several Arkansas 250 Commissioners attended. Commissioners Judge Dale James, Valerie Lawson, Jan Zimmerman and Clinton Mayor Richard McCormac staffed an informational table and spoke with attendees about Arkansas 250. Judge Dale James also dressed up as Uncle Sam and took photos with attendees.

Arkansas Department of Education
Celebrates America250

The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has launched an Arkansas Celebrates America250 website to share the curriculum they have created for the semiquincentennial. ADE is asking students to “connect with our nation’s history, celebrate Arkansas’ unique story, and contribute to our state’s future success.”

The curriculum includes monthly themes; self-guided, teacher-friendly lessons, resources developed by DESE content specialists; targeted resources and custom activities to enrich learning and celebrate Arkansas heritage; meaningful ACA250-related community service projects; and hands-on activities at museums, historic sites, and state parks.

ADE has also created two guides for the celebration. Semi and Quin are “two lovable Labs” whose names are rooted in the word, Semiquincentennial.

You can visit the ADE’s website at:

Arkansas Celebrates America250

Arkansas 250 Commission Meets

On Tuesday, August 12, the Arkansas 250 Commission held its monthly meeting in the Diamond Room of the headquarters for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. During the meeting, they discussed historical markers, updates to the website, the new Facebook page, community outreach, and heard a presentation from the Department of Education.

Presenting to Cleveland County
Historical Society

On Wednesday, August 20, Arkansas 250 Commissioner Dr. David Ware, Director of the Arkansas State Archives, spoke with members of the Cleveland County Historical Society at the Cleveland County Library in Rison. He discussed how historical organizations and museums could participate in semiquincentennial events over the next year. He also discussed the initiative to provide flags for county courthouses and the ability to enter upcoming Arkansas 250 events into the website’s online calendar.

Arkansas 250 Outreach Committee Meets with
Jonesboro Leaders

On Friday, Aug. 22, members of the Arkansas 250 Commission met with Jonesboro community leaders and Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver to discuss upcoming plans to commemorate America's 250th. The group shared ideas and best practices from other communities, and talked about resources available through the Arkansas 250 Commission.