DAR American History Essay Contest

# DAR American History Essay Contest The American History Essay Contest is an annual national contest from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) that encourages students in grades 5-8 to think creatively about the nation's history. Each year the national society sets a single topic; the 2026-27 topic marks America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, asking students which signer of the Declaration of Independence they would meet for lunch and how that signer's actions contributed to independence. ## What You'll Do - Research and write an essay of 300-1,000 words (length requirements vary by grade level) on the annual topic - Submit through a teacher, your school, or directly to your local DAR chapter with the contest submission form - Advance through chapter, state, division, and national judging rounds - Earn certificates, medals, and recognition at each level you win ## Who Should Apply Any US student in grades 5-8 - public, private, or homeschool - whose area has a participating DAR chapter (most do). Chapters set their own fall deadlines, typically around early November; details for the 2026-27 cycle post in August 2026, so contact your local chapter or check the DAR education pages early in the school year. ## Outcomes Winners at each grade level receive medals and certificates, with state and national honors beyond, and every entrant gets authentic practice in historical research and persuasive writing - a natural early step toward National History Day in high school.