Wabash, Indiana (1/22/2020)—The Wabash County Museum is pleased to announce the annual local history youth essay contest. This contest, held in memory of Dr. Robert Beckett, inspires young minds to get excited about their local history and learn about all the great things in our local communities.
This year, after receiving feedback from local educators, the essay contest has been revamped and is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students throughout Wabash County, including students who may be homeschooled or not a part of a public or private school. A first, second and third place essay will be selected for each of the three grades in the form of college scholarships.
“Local history is more than visiting a Museum and looking at artifacts in cases,” said Mitch Figert, President & CEO of the Museum, “and through this contest we are pleased to see how many kids get excited to learn the stories and history that have built our local communities.”
This year’s essay prompt is centered around the theme that both the Museum and Wabash Carnegie Public Library are exploring which is Explore Home. Essay authors are being encouraged to speak with family and community members to understand the changes that have affected life in Wabash County and then explore the idea of why people choose to or not to live in rural communities. Essay packets have been delivered to all the public and private schools in the county but students may participate independently and all the essay materials can be found online at www.wabashmuseum.org/essay.
Essays are due Friday, April 17th, 2020 and will either be picked up at schools or may be dropped off at the Wabash County Museum, 36 E. Market Street by 5 p.m. on that date. Winners will be announced at a reception to be held on Tuesday, May 12th, 2020 at 6pm.
For more information, contact Allie Nose at the Wabash County Museum, 260-563-9070 or anose@wabashmuseum.org.