Introduction
The Aurora History Museum, in partnership with the Aurora Public Library & Cultural Services, and the Office of People, Belonging, and Culture of the City of Aurora, are sponsoring an essay contest open to enrolled high school students, college and university undergraduates in any discipline, and current Colorado residents that are 18+ years old. The Aurora History Museums and its partners seek to:
- Engage citizens in interpreting local history.
- Encourage people of all ages to interact with the historic resources of the city.
- Better understand the needs and interest of the community.
Prompt
Why is Aurora’s history important to you and your community?
As the third largest city in Colorado and the most diverse, Aurora encompasses a beautiful community, rich with history and culture. It is a unique place with deep meaning for many of the residents that call this city home, and these stories span geography and generations. History is a collection of these stories, and the city of Aurora wants to know: Why is Aurora’s history important to you and your community?
You are encouraged to share your story in this first essay contest sponsored by the Aurora History Museum. Essays should draw on Aurora’s unique history using specific events or individuals, and how those events and individuals have connected to and impacted your experience in the city of Aurora.
The following requirements must be met when submitting the essay:
- Essay meets the minimum 1250-word requirement.
- Essay does not exceed 1500 words.
- Essay is double-spaced.
- Essay margins are one-inch.
- Essay is written in Times New Roman, Ariel, or Calibri font.
- Essay font is 12-point.
- Essay includes a cover page with full name, email address, and phone number. There is no identifiable information about the author on the main pages of the essay.
Participants should utilize the Aurora History Museum and any of the many branches of Aurora Public Libraries to provide information on specific individuals, events, and/or geographic places that demonstrate an impact and connection with the author’s community.
Prizes
Each essay contest winner will receive one of three prizes in the form of a check that will be awarded as follows:
Best high school essay written in English, prize $225.00, runner-up $50.00
Best undergraduate essay written in English $400.00, runner-up $50.00
Best current Colorado resident essay written in English $325.00, runner-up 50.00
The winners and their families will be invited to an award ceremony held at the Aurora History Museum, where certificates and prizes will be given to the winners of each category. The winning essays will also be published and archived in the Museum’s digital collection.
Possible Sources
Contest entrants are welcome to write an essay on any topic they please, as long as it is about their personal connection or appreciation for the Aurora History Museum and or Historical Sites, which include but not limited to; DeLaney Historic District, Aurora Fox Theater, Centennial House, Stanley Aviation and Melvin Schoolhouse.
Research Details
Contest entrants may do their research online or in-person. Not all collections are online — everyone is welcome and encouraged to visit the museum in person. The Aurora History Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Are you interested but not sure where to start, what to research, or how to use primary sources? Visit the Aurora History Museum and talk to a friendly staff member or utilize the archives. The Aurora History Museum welcomes patrons to review archival materials in person by appointment under the supervision of a staff member. (No weekend appointments)
Permission to Archive and Use
Authors entering the contest hereby give the Aurora History Museum and Historic Site permission to archive, use, and make public, the essay created for the Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites Essay Writing Contest.
Essay Contest Details
- Submissions open September 1, 2024.
- Deadline: all essays must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Mountain time on October 31st.
- Winners will be announced in December 2024.
- City Employees are not eligible for prizes.
- No text generating AI may be used to produce the essay.
- Essays will be blind-read. The grading rubric is available below.
- High School winner’s enrollment status will be confirmed.
- Undergraduate students must submit essays using their .edu email account.
- Current Colorado residents residency will be confirmed.
- All judging decisions are final.
- Cover page must include: essay title, student or citizens name, high school, college or university name, school email address or personal email address, and date (no identifying information should be included in the body of the essay).
- Bibliography should be included; College students must use Citations style: APA or Chicago.
- Essay length: 1250 - 1500 words, not including title page or bibliography.
- Double-spaced essays should be written in 12-point Times New Roman or Arial.
- Essays should be free of grammar, punctuation, and other errors.
- Winning essays will be published.
- Submission form must be fully filled out.