American History Essay Contest for grades 5, 6, 7, 8

2026-2027 ESSAY TITLE: Announcement of the Declaration of Independence First Public Reading

Question: 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?

One essay at each grade level is selected as the chapter winner.

  • Participants receive a bookmark that flew on a NASA Space Shuttle mission

  • Chapter winners receive a certificate, $50 gift card, and medal (see below).

  • Chapter winners are entered into state-level DAR competition which awards scholarships.

Deadline: November 11, 2026

INSTRUCTIONS FOR AMERICAN HISTORY ESSAY CONTEST

Patriots of American History High School Essay Contest for grades 9, 10, 11 , 12

Topic: 

Select a figure from the era of the American Revolution (1773-1783). Discuss how he or she influenced the course of the American Revolution, who he or she was and his/her contribution to the founding of a new nation. Figures may be any person, whether a well-known figure or an everyday man, woman, or child who supported the American Revolution in ways large or small.

Students are encouraged to use primary sources (i.e. immediate, first-hand accounts such as letters, diaries speeches, or newspaper reports) for their research. Lesser-known figures are acceptable, but subjects must have been actual participants, i.e. not fictional.

  • Participants receive a bookmark that flew on a NASA Space Shuttle mission

  • Chapter winners receive a certificate, $100 gift card, and medal (see below).

  • One chapter winning essay is submitted to state chairs of American History; state winners are forwarded to the division vice chairs for judging; division winners are forwarded to the National Vice Chair for the Patriots of the American Revolution Essay. First, second, and third place winners are selected.

Deadline: November 11, 2026

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATRIOTS ESSAY CONTEST