In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Arkansas Department of Education continues its statewide initiative, Arkansas Celebrates America250 (ACA250). This update highlights March's theme of Arkansas’ Agricultural Legacy and April’s theme of Stewardship of the Land. 

Through the Journey Across Arkansas dashboard, schools can access standards-aligned, ready-to-use resources that highlight the innovators who have shaped Arkansas’s progress.

In March, educators and students are invited to:

• Connect by exploring how Arkansas farmers and producers have shaped our nation’s growth, 
• Celebrate the traditions, tools, and techniques that make Arkansas a leader in feeding the country, and 
• Contribute by pursuing agricultural science, agribusiness, food-industry careers, or enlistment that strengthens national food security and rural resilience.

In April, educators and students are invited to:

• Connect by exploring how Arkansas’s forests, rivers, and farmlands have shaped communities and national conservation efforts, 
• Celebrate the practices and partnerships that keep our state’s natural resources thriving for future generations, and 
• Contribute by pursuing environmental science, conservation, outdoor-industry careers, or enlistment that protects America’s natural treasures.

Map Expedition: Ready-to-Use Lessons

These self-guided or teacher-directed lessons showcase Arkansas’s agricultural leadership and natural beauty.

Compass Expedition: America250 Field Trip

America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest for students in grades 3–12 that invites students to answer the question, “What does America mean to you?” through original writing or artwork. Educators can integrate the contest prompt into existing Social Studies or ELA lessons, use the America250 classroom toolkit to align instruction to standards, and submit student entries through the official America250 website. 

Compass Expedition: Community Created: America250

Community Created: America250 is a statewide arts-integrated by the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) that invites students to share their community’s story through original postcard artwork inspired by Arkansas history and heritage. Educators can access lesson materials and submission details through the AMFA website and coordinate entries through their classroom, school, or community group.

Navigator Expedition: Mystery League’s Millie and Arkansas 250’s Quinn in the Arkansas Capitol History Hunt

Mystery League’s Millie and Arkansas 250’s Quinn in the Arkansas Capitol History Hunt is a special-edition, illustrated book created for the Arkansas Celebrates America250 celebration. Designed for students in grades K–4, this book takes readers on a journey through the history of the Arkansas State Capitol. A total of 130,000 copies will be printed and distributed to schools, along with digital access and The Writing Revolution–aligned resources to support reading and writing instruction.

Navigator Expedition: The Forgotten Tales of Arkansas

Excerpts from The Forgotten Tales of Arkansas is a special-edition book featuring short historical stories from across the state. It is designed for students in grades 5–12. Participating schools receive physical copies, statewide digital access, and The Writing Revolution aligned lessons that support reading and writing. Schools can access the instructional resources through a DESE Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Passport Expedition: Connecting Arkansas Families

Families are encouraged to embark on the Passport Expedition, connecting K–5 learners to Arkansas museums, historic sites, and state parks. Order today through the Secretary of State’s Arkansas State Symbols Workbook, which includes the official ACA250 Passport. Once received, families should register their Passport using the QR code provided in the booklet and begin tracking their Journey Across Arkansas toward earning a commemorative award.

Stay Connected

The Arkansas Department of Education invites you to join us in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by making ACA250 a shared experience for students and communities across the state. Together, we can prepare and inspire Arkansas’s next generation to connect with their heritage, celebrate our traditions, and contribute to the future.

For more information, visit https://america250.ade.arkansas.gov. Share highlights and questions at america250@ade.arkansas.gov, and celebrate online with #ACA250.