TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS: 

EO 24-10: TO ESTABLISH “THE ARKANSAS 250 COMMISSION” IN PREPARATION FOR AMERICA’S SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL 

WHEREAS: The United States of America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence on July 4th, 2026; 

WHEREAS: Since declaring its independence from Great Britain on July 4th, 1776, the United States has continued to make its mark in the world, spreading its ideals of freedom and prosperity across the globe; 

WHEREAS: In order to commemorate this important anniversary, Congress established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016, urging the participation of state and local governments nationwide; and 

WHEREAS: The State of Arkansas intends to participate fully in the commemoration of this important anniversary of our great nation through the planning and coordination of celebratory events and activities throughout Arkansas. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas, do hereby order: 

(1) The Arkansas 250 Commission is hereby established for the purpose of planning and coordinating events in celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial, and shall consist of the following members: 

a. Seven members designated by the Governor; 

b. One member designated by the Speaker of the House; 

c. One member designated by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; 

d. The Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, who shall serve as Chair of the Commission; 

e. The Director of the Arkansas Division of Heritage; 

f. The State Historian and Director of Arkansas State Archives; 

g. The Commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education; 

h. The Executive Director of the Association of Arkansas Counties, or his designee; and 

i. The Executive Director of the Arkansas Municipal League, or his designee. 

(2) The Commission may select representatives from local history associations to serve as advisory members. 

(3) The Commission shall convene no later than July 31st, 2024, and shall conclude its work on July 5th, 2026. 

This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until July 5th, 2026. 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 1st day of July, in the year of our Lord 2024.