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
5th - 8th Grade Essay
Announcement of the First Reading of the Declaration of Independence
2026 – 2027 Essay Title: “Announcement of the First Reading of the Declaration of Independence"
“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?”
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
“Announcement of the First Reading of the Declaration of Independence"
“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?”
Video Guidelines
Video Submission Form
Video Flyer
9th-12th Grade Essay
American Patriot Essay Contest
2026-2027 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