Arkansas 250 Newsletter

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December 2025, Issue VII

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

Installation of Historical Marker

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, the Arkansas250 Commission and the Saline County 250 Commission installed a historical marker on the grounds of the Bauxite Historical Association Museum commemorating the historic role Bauxite played in World War II.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Saline County Judge Matt Brumley. Benton High School’s ROTC then presented colors, which was followed by a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Next, Bryant Junior High School’s choir sang the National Anthem.

Col. Dwayne Page, Ret., gave Veterans Day remarks and the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented quilts to two local veterans.

The Chair of the Saline County 250 Commission, Trevor Villines, then spoke briefly about the upcoming semiquincentennial and thanked each group who had worked to make the day’s event happen.

Dr. Russell Barton spoke about the history of Bauxite and the important role Bauxite played during World War II.

Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (ADPHT) and Arkansas250 Commissioner Shea Lewis spoke about Arkansas’ history of using markers to share our state’s history and talked about the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program’s historic marker program. Secretary Lewis and Trevor Villines then unveiled the marker.

The event ended with a patriotic medley played by Bauxite High School’s band.

Visit to Bentonville

On Thursday, Nov. 13, the outreach committee of the Arkansas250 commission traveled to Bentonville to meet with local leaders.

Commissioners Marty Ryall, Shea Lewis, Richard McCormac, Valorie Lawson, Ebony Mitchell, Tanya Coulter Mims, Sharri Jones and Col. Joel Lynch

met with representatives from Walmart, Crystal Bridges, Downtown Bentonville, Visit Bentonville, and the Peel Compton Foundation to talk about Bentonville’s celebration plans for next year.

America’s Field Trip

America250 has announced that their America’s Field Trip initiative is back! It’s a nationwide contest challenging students grades 3-12 to share through writing or original artwork what America means to them.

Students will have the opportunity to compete for a chance to win either a summertime field trip or a cash prize; 250 winners will be chosen.

First place awardees and a chaperone will receive airfare and lodging for a three-day, two-night trip at select historical or cultural sites. Second place winners will receive $500. Teachers associated with the top scoring student submission in each grade will receive $1,000.

To find out more about how the student in your life can participate, visit the link below.

America’s Field Trip

Monthly Meeting

The next monthly meeting of the Arkansas250 Commission will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. in the Diamond Room of the headquarters of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, 1100 North St., Little Rock.