The Nancy McKay Harsh Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is again sponsoring the DAR annual American History essay contest.
This year’s topic is for grades fifth through eighth and is “A Colonial Family’s Reaction to the Stamp Act.”
Mach 22, 2015, marks the 250th anniversary of the Stamp Act. Passed by the British parliament in 1765, this new tax required all colonists to pay a tax on every printed piece of paper they used.
The Stamp Act was viewed by the colonists as “taxation without representation.” Describe a colonial family’s discussion about the new Stamp Act and what role it played in organizing the colonists against the British king and parliament.
The title for ninth through 12th grade contest is “Columbus and Lindbergh: A Journey Across the Atlantic.” Discuss the similarities and differences between Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the new world and Charles Lindbergh’s first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
What effect did the 400 years between their accomplishments have on what each man hoped to achieve, the challenges they faced and skills essential to their success?
A $10 cash gift, medal and certificate will be awarded to the local winner in each of the fifth through eighth grade levels, as well as the winner of the Christopher Columbus essay contest.
Winning entries will then be sent to the state society. State level winners will be chose there and forwarded on to the district and national contest.
This is a good learning experience for students. It is open to all students in public and private schools, and also to those who are home schooled. The deadlines for entries is Dec. 15, and should be sent to Bonnie Riepe at “Bonnie Riepe, American History Chair, 2537 Nuthatch Ave., Afton, IA 50830.”
For more information on the rules, please contact Riepe.