DAR sponsoring essay contest focusing on the 1765 Stamp Act

The Washburn Chapter of the National Association Daughters of American Revolution is sponsoring an essay contest for Putnam County students in grades 5-8.

The contest was established to encourage young people to think creatively about America's great history and learn about history in a new light. Each academic year, a unique essay topic is chosen and guidelines are made available.

This year's topic is: March 22, 2015, marked the 250th anniversary of the Stamp Act. Passed by the British Parliament in 1765. The new tax required all colonists to pay a tax on every printed piece of paper they used. The Stamp Act was viewed by the colonists as "taxation without representation."

Describe a colonial family's discussion about the new Stamp Act and what role it played in organizing the colonists against the British King and Parliament.

Essays are judged for historical accuracy, adherence to topic, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation and neatness.

The state winner from each grade will advance to the divisional level. The divisional winners will advance to the national level where the winners are announced. All national winners will receive a certificate, medal and a monetary reward.

Each school will determine their own class finalists. The participating schools may submit the top five essays from each of their four grades to Washburn Chapter's representative Diana Brumfield by Oct. 28.

Essays should be mailed to: Essay c/o Diana Brumfield, 324 E. CR 1125 South, Cloverdale, IN 46120 or drop off at the Putnam County Public Library Local History and Genealogy Department by pre-arrangement (Brumfield is usually there on Mondays 9-1 and Wednesdays noon-8).

Winners will be selected from each of the four grade levels to advance to the state level.