American History Essay Contest Topic Released!

Our annual American History Essay Contest topic has been released! This year, the topic is "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 for state competition. ​

• 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 (June 2020). Winning essays may appear in official DAR communications.

Our schools will be receiving the topic and paperwork this summer/fall and our contest applications must be in by December 1. Chapter Awards will be presented in February.

More information can be found here: https://www.dar.org/national-society/education/essay-contests