DAR Announces American History Essay Contest

Students enrolled in grades 5 through 8 are invited to enter the 2025-2026 American History Essay Contest sponsored by the Barrington, IL-based Signal Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). The contest reflects the organization’s values of historic preservation, education, and patriotism by inviting students to think and write creatively about historic U.S. events, specifically those related to the American Revolution.

This year’s essay topic is: “Lunch With A Signer.” The question is: 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?

Depending on the student’s age group, essays may be 300 to 1,000 words. All students in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 enrolled in a public, private or parochial school, or those who are home schooled, are eligible to participate. One essay at each grade level will be selected as the Signal Hill Chapter winner. Judging is based on historical accuracy, adherence to the topic, organization of material, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, neatness, and that the submission is the student’s own work.

All participants will be recognized at “Youth Awards Day” on Sat., Feb. 7, 2026, hosted by the Signal Hill Chapter at the Barrington Area Library. Winners in each grade will go forward in competition with the potential for a national award.

For more information about the essay contest and deadline for entries – Friday, November 14, 2025 – please contact Signal Hill Chapter Historian Cheri Pinchot via email: pinchotc@yahoo.com.

The Signal Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) was chartered in Barrington, IL in 1972. NSDAR is a volunteer women’s service organization headquartered in Washington, DC.

DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service, and more.

Since its founding in 1890 over one million women have joined NSDAR. Membership is open to any woman aged eighteen and over who can prove lineal descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution. For more information about the Barrington, IL-based chapter, visit signalhilldar.com.