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In 2017, the descendants of James and Thelma Smith Sr. established the James and Thelma Smith Foundation to renew the couple's commitment to service and scholarship for the citizens in Augusta, Arkansas, and other surrounding communities. Specifically, the James and Thelma Smith Sr. Museum and Cultural Center will be located at 711 Main Street. This center will house artifacts that feature the rich history of the George Washington Carver Schools and the Smith Family and serve as a focal point for community members to gather for group activities, social support, educational enrichment, public information, and other civic purposes.
Facts about James and Thelma Smith:
- James Madison, Sr., and Thelma Fae Hilliard Smith dedicated over 40 years as pioneers to expand civic and educational responsibility to all citizens in the Augusta community.
- James Madison, Sr., and Thelma Fae Hilliard Smith worked as a team as Principal and Assistant Principal, respectively, to expand Augusta Colored School, later renamed George Washington Carver Junior and High Schools.
- Under James Madison Smith, Sr.'s administration in 1944 and 1946, grades 6 through 12 were added to promote social equality and excellence in education for students, producing the first graduating class in 1947.
- Carver High School produced over 1200 graduates of Carver High School, creating first-generation college students and outstanding citizens who flourished in their given professions throughout other communities worldwide.
- James Madison, Sr., and Thelma Fae Hilliard Smith served through the integration years to contribute to establishing the Augusta School District to benefit the entire community.
- James Madison, Sr., and Thelma Fae Hilliard Smith, after formal retirement, both spent tireless hours serving the people of Arkansas, advocating for educational excellence, advancement, expansion of compensation, and benefits for professional educators. And working with local youths to promote spiritual and academic achievement, music appreciation, and social grace to prepare the next generation of leaders.
- In 2021, Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, recognized Thelma Fae Hilliard Smith as the first African American Female to graduate with a Master’s Degree of Arts in Teaching. The Thelma Fae Smith Diversity in Education Scholarship was also established to honor her distinguished educator and community leader career. Additionally, the City of Augusta, Arkansas, recognized her for her dedicated years of service to the George Washington and Augusta High Schools.
- At least once a year, citizens throughout the country commemorate and rejoice for the dedicated work of Carver Schools administrators, faculty, family, and students under the leadership of James Madison Smith, Sr., and Thelma Fae Hilliard Smith.
- The City of Augusta, Arkansas, has proclaimed the Saturday preceding Memorial Day as the James Madison Smith Sr. Day and the Sunday preceding Memorial Day as the Thelma Fae Hilliard Smith Day. The first couple to be recognized for their respective contributions to the country the entire Memorial Day Weekend each year.
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