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 May’s theme of Arkansas Future and introduces a continued focus on how ACA250 resources can support teaching and learning beyond the celebration.

Through the Journey Across Arkansas dashboard, schools can access standards-aligned, ready-to-use resources that highlight the innovators, industries, and ideas shaping Arkansas’s future. These resources are designed not only to support classroom instruction during ACA250, but also to serve as lasting tools that educators can integrate into their curriculum in the years ahead.

In May, educators and students are invited to:

• Connect by recognizing how past investments in learning and opportunity have shaped today’s progress, 
• Celebrate the ideas and determination of Arkansans who are building what comes next, and 
• Contribute by pursuing advanced education, high-growth careers, or enlistment that carries Arkansas’s spirit of service and innovation into the future.

Map Expedition: Ready-to-Use Lessons

These self-guided or teacher-directed lessons highlight Arkansas’s growth, innovation, and future opportunities.

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: Arkansas Literacy Resources

Mystery League’s Millie and Arkansas 250’s Quinn in the Arkansas Capitol History Hunt (K-4)

 The Forgotten Tales of Arkansas (5-12)

These resources provide:

• High-quality, Arkansas-focused reading materials
• Writing Revolution–aligned instructional supports
• Opportunities to strengthen literacy through historical content

These texts and lessons are designed for continued use in classrooms as part of literacy integration and Arkansas history instruction beyond 2026.

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.

Beyond the Celebration: Sustaining the Work

ACA250 is not a program to complete, but a framework to build upon. The resources developed through ACA250 are intended to support:

• Continued integration of Arkansas history across grade levels
• Cross-curricular integration and interdisciplinary instruction
• Literacy development across all subjects
• Civic understanding and community engagement

To support continued implementation, educators are encouraged to participate in the Exploring ACA250 Resources After the Celebration (Virtual) professional development session, which will provide practical strategies for extending ACA250 resources into future instruction.

Educators are encouraged to continue using the Journey Across Arkansas resources as part of their regular instructional practice, ensuring that the impact of ACA250 extends well beyond the anniversary year.

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.