UA Little Rock Students and Faculty Lead America250 Symbols Exhibit at Arkansas State Capitol

A new exhibit commemorating America’s approaching semiquincentennial is now on display at the Arkansas State Capitol, thanks to a unique collaboration between the University of Arkansas at Little Rock students and faculty and partners in the Secretary of State’s Office.

The exhibit, 250 Years of American Symbols, explores the history and meaning of iconic symbols throughout the nation’s history. It will be on display in the Capitol fourth-floor gallery through early September as part of the statewide America250 celebration.

At the center of the project is Dr. Kristin Dutcher Mann, a professor of history, whose research on the Arkansas Liberty Bell Replica inspired the larger exhibit. As her research continued, she connected with Jennifer Hughes, curator for the Arkansas State Capitol, who was developing exhibit ideas for the America250 celebration. That introduction opened the door to a new collaboration, the creation of the exhibit, and the exciting opportunities for students to research, design, and install an exhibit in the State Capitol.

“I invited Dr. Mann to join our discussion,” Hughes said. “From there, the idea to have her students develop a display about American symbols was decided as a part of the multiple exhibits we will host to commemorate the semiquincentennial.”

The 250 Years of American Symbols exhibit explores how symbols such as the Liberty Bell, the bald eagle, and the national anthem have been adopted to shape the nation’s identity and communicate its values over the years. The exhibit explores well-known and lesser-known symbols, encouraging visitors to explore how Americans have used them to express shared ideas, commemorate important moments, and ultimately define the nation. Throughout the exhibit, symbols are presented not only as reflections of history but also as aspirations that help Americans “form a more perfect union.”  

“Symbols are calls to action for Americans to improve their country and their own lives,” Mann said. “A study of American symbols shows us both change and continuity in American history, as well as how the country views itself at different significant anniversaries.”

The exhibit’s exploration of American identity was shaped not only by its history and artifacts but also by the five UA Little Rock students who helped bring it to life.

History students Sydney Evans, Dawson Arnold, Tamara Riddle, and Amy Stabila, along with graphic design student Jadon Parks, researched artifacts, wrote exhibit text, coordinated museum and archive loans, designed display panels, and helped install the exhibit in the Capitol gallery, gaining hands-on experience beyond the classroom.

For the students, seeing their work displayed in the State Capitol as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration was an experience they never imagined would be possible.

“It was exciting to be part of something much bigger than a classroom project,” Evans said. “We helped shape the exhibit from start to finish, and seeing visitors engage with our work in the State Capitol was a surreal experience that I’ll never forget.”

What began as faculty research evolved into collaboration among students, state agencies, museums, and archives across Arkansas. The result is an exhibit that invites visitors to view the symbols that have shaped the nation’s identity, values, and aspirations over the past 250 years, while considering their continued relevance today.

Mann encourages visitors to see these symbols as more than static images. 

“They remind us that our democracy is a work in progress and that our history binds us together,” she said.