Historic Preservation Office announces annual 4th Grade Student Essay Contest

The South Dakota State Historical Society’s annual 4th Grade Student Essay Contest is open for entries.

This contest is a component of the annual South Dakota Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month, which is celebrated each year in May. The month was created to acquaint the public with the disciplines of archaeology and historic preservation and to strengthen the enduring bond between the past and the present.

This competition enables students to achieve a better appreciation of our state’s history and historic resources, the stories they tell, and why they should be preserved for future generations. With the theme of ‘This Place Matters,’ students are asked to write an essay about any South Dakota location that is at least 50 years old, why it is a favorite place of theirs, and why it should be preserved. The place they choose does not need to be a historic site, and students do not need to write a full history of the location. The contest is open to any 4th grade student in South Dakota, whether they be in public, private, tribal/BIE, or homeschooled.

Each entry will be judged on quality of writing, content and theme, and originality of thought. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The 1st place winner will receive a $200 cash prize, the 2nd place winner will receive a $100 cash prize, and the 3rd place winner will receive a $50 cash prize. Each winner will also receive a one-year family membership to the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Entries must be postmarked no later than March 14; winners will be notified on or before April 11. The full Guidelines and Entry Form is now available online. The contest information is near the bottom of the webpage. For questions contact (605) 773-2907 or email SHPO@state.sd.us.