An Evening With Ronnie Nichols: Author, Artist, Acclaimed Historian, & Cultural Preservationist

Join MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History for an extraordinary and culturally significant evening with acclaimed historian, author, artist, and cultural preservationist Ronnie A.Nichols, as he presents and signs copies of his highly anticipated new book, Freedom! Lest We Forget.

Widely regarded among the foremost authorities on the American Civil War and the indispensable role of soldiers of African descent, Ronnie A. Nichols has devoted more than forty-five years to preserving, documenting, and illuminating the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the men who forged a pathway toward freedom and citizenship for African Americans.

Far more than a traditional book signing, this immersive historical experience invites guests into the deeply human and often untold realities of Civil War history as rendered in Nichols’ groundbreaking work. Through vivid narrative, meticulous scholarship, and powerful historical interpretation, Freedom! Lest We Forget chronicles the lives, valor, suffering, and perseverance of African-descended soldiers who fought in one of the most defining conflicts in American history.

Drawing from military records, personal letters, affidavits, rare archival images, and firsthand accounts, Nichols brings to light the remarkable stories of the United States Colored Troops in Arkansas and reveals the realities endured by formerly enslaved men who became soldiers in the battle for liberty and human dignity. Attendees will journey through the emotional terrain of war, sacrifice, resilience, and remembrance while gaining deeper insight into the historical forces that shaped the nation and advanced the cause of freedom for generations to come.

The evening will also feature:

• A thought-provoking historical conversation with the author

• Southern-inspired bites and beverages evocative of the era featuring Delta

• An opportunity to meet Ronnie A. Nichols during an exclusive book signing

Copies of Freedom! Lest We Forget available for purchase throughout the evening.