Chapter Sponsors American History Essay Contests in County Schools

September is back to school, and that means it is time for DAR History Essay Contests. The Hendrick Hudson Chapter, NSDAR is sponsoring two competitions which are open to all students in local public, private or parochial schools, as well as those who are homeschooled.

The American History Essay Contest is open to students in grades 5 through 8. The topic for 2022-2023 is “Delegate to the Second Continental Congress.” The chapter will choose one essay from each grade to be forwarded on to state-level competition.

The Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest is open to grades 9 through 12. The topic remains the same each year, and students are asked to discuss how an actual figure from the era, well-known or not, woman, man, or child, influenced the course of the Revolution. The use of primary sources like letters, diaries, speeches, and newspaper reports is encouraged. All grades are judged together, with one chapter winner advancing to the state-level competition.

According to Doris Krohn Harrington, Hendrick Hudson Chapter Historian, a DAR award is coveted by students hoping to enhance their college applications, even if applying might be a year or two down the road. “It’s really a feather in a student’s cap to be able to say that they won a Daughters of the American Revolution essay contest. It shows initiative, interest in history and democracy, and endorsement by an esteemed national institution known for its high standards.” For more information, contact Harrington at historian@hudson-dar.org.

The Hendrick Hudson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was chartered in 1896. A nonpartisan organization welcoming eligible women without regard to race, creed, or religion, it includes 130 members who trace their lineage back to a patriot in the American Revolution–whether serving as soldier, shopkeeper, or seamstress. The mission of the DAR is to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. 

The chapter and the chapter house can be accessed at hudson-dar.org, facebook.com/HudsonDAR, instagram.com/robertjenkinshouse, hendrickhudsonchapterdar@gmail.com, and (518) 828-9764.