American History Committee Essay Contests

Sponsoring the American History and the Christopher Columbus Essay Contests promotes American history throughout the year and honors significant historical people, places, dates, and events. This committee also encourages recognition of women who are notable in your state or community.

American History Essay Contest

What a great way to get the students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8  involved in history with the interesting topic   "What message did the Gettysburg Address communicate to our war-torn nation in 1863?  How are the ideals articulated in the speech still relevant for our country today?"

 Contest Rules

~Chapters select only one (1) winner per grade
~Judging at the chapter level is by three (3) judges including at least one non-DAR judge
~Encourage students in a public, private, or parochial school, or those who are home schooled to participate.

 Christopher Columbus Essay Contest

Did you ever think about economics and Christopher Columbus in the same sentence? This is a perfect question for our students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 to answer. The 2007-2008 essay topic is�---"Discuss five perils faced by Christopher Columbus' expedition(s) and how Columbus and his crew overcame them."
 

 Contest Rules

~Chapters select only one (1) winner
~Encourage students in a public, private, or parochial school, or those who are home schooled to participate.

  Deadlines for Both Essay Contests

January 15, 2025 ~ Chapter Chairman submit winning essays to the District Chairman

February 1, 2025 ~ District Chairman submit winning essays to State Chairman

Download Contest Forms

 Women in American History

March is �Women�s History Month�. Consider honoring a woman of notability in your state or community. She could be a historical entity or currently alive and worthy of recognition. Look for women who are, or have been, intellectual, educational, social, religious, political, scientific, or cultural innovators. Recognize her in a chapter meeting, invite her to be your guest speaker and honor her with a certificate.

Please be sure to complete the Report Form and submit to State Chairman by March 2, 2025

Friends of American History

For the contest and judging forms, American History supplies and more information see the National Information Packet or visit the DAR Members American History Committee Page.

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