Visitors to the Arkansas State Capitol can explore the nation’s founding through a new exhibit featuring Revolutionary War artifacts, historic documents and stories of the people who helped shape the United States.
The “America 250 – A Revolutionary Life Exhibit” is on display in the Capitol’s main rotunda through Aug. 30. Presented by the Little Rock-Centennial Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in collaboration with the Office of the Arkansas Secretary of State, the exhibit is free to the public during regular Capitol hours.
The exhibit includes eight standing panels highlighting the nation’s Founding Fathers, along with four display cases featuring artifacts and stories from Revolutionary War patriots. Displays also recognize the contributions of women, Black Americans and Native Americans during the Revolutionary era. Some of the artifacts include the authentic signatures of Revolutionary patriots.
Kathy Balkman, chair of the chapter’s America 250 Committee, and Teresa Staples worked alongside Arkansas State Capitol curators Jen Hughes and Michael Higgs to plan the exhibit and gather many of the historic items, several of which are authentic.
Chapter Regent Laura Cleland, Ellen Cook and Teresa Staples also contributed artifacts to the display. Additional items were provided by the Arkansas Society Sons of the American Revolution, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, WallBuilders and other organizations. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock History Department created a companion display exploring the symbols of the United States.
One of the exhibit’s most notable pieces is the Aiken Bible, often referred to as the “Bible of the Revolution.”
“We are especially excited and honored to feature the Aiken Bible, known as the ‘Bible of the Revolution,’ in the exhibit,” Balkman said. “Printed in 1782, it is the first complete English-language Bible published in the United States. Originally, 10,000 copies were printed, but only 30 to 40 copies remain.”
Balkman said the exhibit would not have been possible without the support of numerous organizations and individuals who shared pieces from their collections.
“We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who loaned artifacts and items for our exhibit,” Balkman said. “It is truly remarkable.”
The exhibit is part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Visitors can view the exhibit free of charge in the main rotunda of the Arkansas State Capitol anytime the building is open to the public.
READ ALSO: Hall of Famers Headline 2026 Hot Springs Baseball Weekend
