Waterford Historical Society announces academic award for WHS seniors

The Waterford Historical Society, Inc. hopes to encourage Waterford High School seniors to learn more about their town and its history by researching and submitting a scholarly work that describes an element of daily life of residents of the coastal area between the Thames and Niantic rivers during the 17th, 18th or 19th Century.

As this is a new scholarship offered by the Society, it is being offered this year only to Waterford High School seniors. Members of the Waterford Historical Society will review the submissions. If there are sufficient works received that meet the submission format and are judged to be of quality, three scholarships of $1000 will be awarded.

“Such a work should appeal to students interested in any discipline because of the number and variety of topics that can be explored that are relevant to Waterford’s history,” explained Anthony Cascio, a member of the Waterford Historical Society who conceived of the scholarship idea.

The submission format requires 1-inch margins, and use of the 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced. The word count requirement is 1000 to 1500 words (4 to 6 pages). Research source information is required but is not included in the word count.

Submissions must be received by May 1st, 2024. The Waterford Historical Society will announce the decisions on or about May 20, 2024.

Submissions in print may be made by mail sent to Waterford Historical Society, Inc., P.O. Box 117, Waterford, CT, 06385 or in PDF format by email to waterfordcthistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Suggested topics include:
Agriculture; Farmhouse Design; Farming Tools and Techniques; Food Sources (crops, gardens); Food Preservation; Ice Harvesting and Storage; Hunting for Food, Shelter and Apparel: Types of Game, Methods/Techniques
Maritime trades: shipbuilding, whaling, types of cargo, sailmaking, ropemaking, ports of call, etc.
Kitchen Techniques, Tools and Appliances; Medical Care & Herbal Remedies; Period Crafts: quilting, samplers, needlework, etc.
Holiday Celebrations & Meals; Religious Organizations and Ceremonies; Weddings, Christenings, Burial Ceremonies; Community Events and Celebrations, e.g., barn raising, apple harvest
Local Government; Law Enforcement; Relationships with Native Population; Relationships with Neighboring Municipalities
Political Loyalty: Tory or Rebel; Military Units and Service
Education, from elementary to college/university