American History Essay Contest
The Daughters of the American Revolution sponsor two student essay contests each year, one for grades 5-8 and one for grades 9-12. This year a video contest is also available. The contests are open to all students in public, charter, private or homeschools. One essay / video at each grade level can be selected as the chapter winner and forwarded to the state competition. For specific information about this year's topics, as well as entry forms and contact information, see below.
All entries must be the students original work
Questions: Contact Karen Cox, American History Chair
5th - 8th Grade Essay
Lunch With a Signed
2025 – 2026 Essay Title: “Lunch with a Signer”Question: America will celebrate her 250th birthday on July 4, 2026!
If you could go back in time and meet one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence for lunch, who would you choose? How did their actions and service contribute to our Country becoming independent?
Open to Grades 5–8Length 300-1,000 words (depending on grade level, please check forms)
Essay Entry Form
Flyer for 5-8th Grade Essay
Video Entry
“Lunch with a Signer”
Question: America will celebrate her 250th birthday on July 4, 2026! If you could go back in time and meet one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence for lunch, who would you choose? How did their actions and service contribute to our Country becoming independent?
Video Guidelines
Video Submission Form
Video Flyer
9th-12th Grade Essay
American Patriot Essay Contest
2025-2026 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 the contribution that historic character made to
the founding of a new nation. Your figure must have been an actual person
– one who is well-known or an everyday man, woman, or child, who
supported the American Revolution in ways large or small.
Open to Grades 9-12 Length: Between 800-1,200 words.
Essay Guidelines Grades 9-12
Essay Flyer Grades 9-12