Dive Into the Past the 19th Annual Historic Essay Contest

Monmouth County fifth-grade students are encouraged to dig into the past by visiting county historical sites and writing a 300 word essay.

The essay should focus on a visit to a county historical site, a list of which can be found at the Monmouth County Historical Commission website.

Some nearby sites include the Keyport Fireman's Museum, New Jersey Vietnam Memorial and Monmouth Battlefield State Park.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Monmouth County’s fifth graders to get connected to history and to share their experiences,” Freeholder Lillian Burry said. “The Historical Commission has expanded its themes to encourage more essays.”

The essay should also contain an event important to a student's family history.

First, second and third place prizes will be a savings bond for the student.

“This essay contest gives our local fifth graders an opportunity to get out and see the wonderful historic treasures here in Monmouth County,” Burry said. “The county’s historic treasures at Bayshore Waterfront Park, Monmouth Battlefield and Historic Longstreet Farm all have stories to tell. We are looking to hear some youthful interpretation of these and many other places in the county.”

Completed essays should be postmarked or delivered by March 11, 2012 to the Monmouth County Historical Commission, , 2nd floor, Freehold, NJ 07728.

More information about essay guidelines can be found at the Historical Commission website.