American History Essay Contest

About the Contest

The Chakchiuma Chapter NSDAR is proud to sponsor the American History Essay Contest, an annual program open to all students in grades 5 through 8. This contest encourages young people to explore and reflect on significant moments in American history through thoughtful, well-researched writing.

2026–2027 Essay Topic

“To announce independence from Great Britain, the Declaration of Independence was publicly read in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

“Following this reading, the word spread throughout the colonies in newspapers, more public readings, and posted notices.

“Imagine you lived in Philadelphia or an area of the colonies where news did not reach you for weeks. How would you react to hearing the Declaration read in your community? With whom would you share the news? What action would you take after hearing it? How would this have impacted your life?”

An illustration of a historical scene with a man standing on a balcony, speaking to a crowd below. The man has curly hair, is dressed in historical attire, and holds a book or paper. Behind him is a brick wall. The crowd consists of men and women, some wearing hats, listening attentively. There is a tree with leaves and a lamp post also visible in the scene.
An illustration of a historical scene with a man standing on a balcony, speaking to a crowd below. The man has curly hair, is dressed in historical attire, and holds a book or paper. Behind him is a brick wall. The crowd consists of men and women, some wearing hats, listening attentively. There is a tree with leaves and a lamp post also visible in the scene.

Contest Details

  • Open to all students in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 attending public, private, or parochial schools, as well as homeschoolers. An individual student may submit an entry directly to a DAR chapter in their state if their class or school is not participating. This contest is conducted without regard to race, religion, sex, or national origin.

    • Grade 5: 300–600 words

    • Grades 6, 7, and 8: 600–1,000 words

  • Essays must be:

    • Prepared on a computer

    • Typed in black type

    • Using a non-script font no smaller than 12 point or larger than 14 point

    • Double-spaced (recommended)

    Important: The entire essay must be the student's original work. This includes all research, writing, and editing, which must be done by the student alone—not by a parent, teacher, tutor, AI, or other helper.

    Required Title Page: Each essay must include a completed Title Page (Form AHC-1008). Missing information on the title page will result in a lower score.

    Do NOT submit a photograph of the student with the entry.

  • Essays must include a list of all resources utilized. Four individual resources are expected. Internet resources, if used, should include the electronic address.

    Any essay with information copied directly from sources without using quotes (plagiarized) will be disqualified.

  • Essays are judged on the following criteria:

    • Historical Accuracy – Correct historical information (8 points)

    • Adherence to Topic – Relevant facts, concrete details, quotations, and examples (8 points)

    • Organization – Clear beginning, middle, and end (4 points)

    • Interest – Vivid words and phrases (8 points)

    • Spelling & Grammar – No misspelling or grammatical errors (4 points)

    • Resources – Four or more sources, including primary and secondary (4 points)

    • Submission Requirements – Title page complete, correct word count and formatting (4 points)

    Maximum Score: 40 points

    Pictures, maps, drawings, graphics, and other such additions will not be considered in judging and should not be included.

  • Judging at the chapter level is conducted by three judges, including at least two non-DAR judges. Judging at the state, division, and national levels is by three judges, all of whom are non-DAR members.

  • Chapter: One essay at each grade level is selected as the chapter winner and forwarded to state competition. Chapter winner certificates and bronze medals may be presented. Chapters may also present certificates of participation to every student who participates.

    State: One essay at each grade level is selected as the state winner and forwarded to division competition. State winners receive a silver medal and state winner certificate.

    Division: One essay per grade is selected as the division winner and forwarded to national competition. Division winners receive a division winner certificate and a blue ribbon.

    National: First, second, and third place winners are selected at the national level. The national first-place winner receives a certificate, gold pin, and monetary award at Continental Congress. Second and third place winners receive a certificate and monetary award.

  • The chapter deadline for submission is Friday, November 1, 2026. Please submit your essay to the chapter contact (see below) by this date. The state deadline follows shortly after—be sure to submit on time!

Need more information?

If you have questions or would like to submit an essay, please contact the Chakchiuma Chapter's American History Essay Contest Chairman.

Chapter Contact:

Susan Wellborn

sbwellborn@hotmail.com

 (662) 455-3255

Download Contest Forms

A group of four people, three adults and one child, standing together inside a room with light-colored walls. The child is holding a certificate and a medal, and the group appears to be celebrating. There are tables with papers, a basket with red, white, and blue decorations, and some jars on the tables.
A group of four people, three adults and one child, standing together inside a room with light-colored walls. The child is holding a certificate and a medal, and the group appears to be celebrating. There are tables with papers, a basket with red, white, and blue decorations, and some jars on the tables.

Recent Recipient

We are proud to recognize Isaac Dallas, a 5th‑grade homeschool student, as a recent winner of the DAR American History Contest.

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