Entries for History Writing Prize due May 15

See below for our post of April 1 that announced our writing prize.

After a lengthy Covid-related delay, the Historical Society of Riverton is excited to announce our first annual History Writing Prize!

It seems like a lifetime ago, but you may recall our Historic House Party in November 2019.

Heather Macintosh Huffnagle, House Party Chair, conceived the idea to host the affair to raise funds to support excellence in history writing using the HSR’s archives by providing cash awards to students.

The event raised $4,000, but the disruption to school routines and the cancellation of our meetings caused a two-year delay in implementing the new writing program.

Entry due date: May 15, 2022

Summary:

The Historical Society of Riverton (HSR) will award a cash prize of $500 for a 1000 word essay that answers a question about Riverton’s history. The winning entry will be featured on the HSR’s website: http://www.rivertonhistory.com. Noteworthy essays that do not win the primary prize may also be published on the HSR’s website. Essays will follow MLA guidelines for published works (see General Guidelines for Submissions below).

The Question:

“During the middle years of the nineteenth century, the United States experienced many dynamic changes, including the extensive growth of industry and cities, advances in modes of transportation, and political and social conflicts surrounding the issue of slavery. Riverton was founded in 1851. Please research and describe how any of these changes may have influenced where, why, and by whom the town was founded.”

Our website (http://www.rivertonhistory.com) includes many photographs, maps, and articles on Riverton’s history that may help inform and illustrate your essay.

Who may submit an entry?

 Any high school student living in Riverton may apply.

How are essays submitted?

Students may submit their essays and questions about the prize to HSR’s Membership Chair Heather Huffnagle.

Review Committee

HSR Board Members and professionals among its membership with education and/or experience in historical research, education, and writing comprise the Review Committee.

Timeline:

Entries will be accepted until May 15. Awardees will be contacted on May 31.

General Guidelines for Submissions

MLA Paper Format General Guidelines 

• • Use standard 8.5 x 11 white paper.
  • Number your pages.
  • 1-inch margins (all sides)
  • Readable font
  • Double-spaced
  • Indent new paragraphs.
  • Only one space between sentences

MLA cover page includes a few things like: 

• • Title of your paper
  • Your name
  • Your email
  • Your school’s name

What should an MLA paper look like?

An MLA paper has a standard look for every page, including 1-inch margins, a readable font, a running header including your last name and page number, and author-page in-text citations. At the end of your paper, you will include works cited with a list of all the sources used in the paper.