"The Voyage of the Mayflower"

 

The topic for the 2020 American History Award Contest marks the 400th Anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower and the founding of the Plymouth Colony.   Imagine you are one of the passengers on the Mayflower.  Knowing what materials were available in 1620, what would you have packed to prepare for the trip and starting a new life in the wilderness?   After experiencing more than two months at sea then finally landing at Plymouth Colony on November 9, 1620, do you think you would have made different choices and why?

 

All grade 5, 6, 7, and 8 students in a public, private, or parochial school, or those who are home schooled are eligible. This contest is conducted without regard to race, religion, sex, or national origin. One essay at each grade level is selected as the chapter winner and forwarded to the state American History chairman for state competition.  More information can be found on the DAR Website and on the information document.

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• Chapters may award a Bronze Medal to the chapter winners in each grade, plus a Chapter Winner Certificate. Chapters may also elect to award all participants a Certificate of Participation.

• States award a Silver Medal to the state winner in each grade, plus a State Winner Certificate, and other state-approved awards.

• Division Winners (one in each grade level) receive a Division Winner Certificate and a book.

• National Winners (one in each grade level) receive a National Winner Certificate, gold pin, and monetary award, presented at Continental Congress. Winning essays may appear in official DAR communications.

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2018 Contest

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The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed by the United States Congress on June 4, 1919, and was ratified on August 18, 1920. This amendment granted all American women the right to vote and hold elective office. Many Americans at the time viewed this as a radical change to the U.S. Constitution. Imagine you are living in 1919 while the women’s suffrage campaigns were having impact on Americans politically and socially. Discuss the pros and cons of this new amendment the U.S. Congress has passed.

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