Contests & Awards

1. Writing Contest

The Junior Historians Writing Contest invites students to submit original research papers focused on Texas history—either statewide or local topics. Students may draw on primary and secondary sources to explore moments, people, places, or movements that shaped their communities and the state.

A. Submission Guidelines

• Papers must be between 5–8 pages, not including citations.
• Use MLA or Chicago style for formatting and citations.
• Each submission must be original to the current contest year; previously submitted papers are not eligible.
• Submit entries via email to juniorhistorians@tshaonline.org by the published deadline.

B. Email Submission Requirements

In the body of your submission email, include the following:

• Student’s full name
• School name
• Chapter number (if applicable)
• Title of the paper

Attach the paper as a PDF or Word document. The document must include:

• A title page with the student’s name and paper title
• Page numbers in the lower-right corner of each page

Each student may submit only one paper.

2. Chapter Project Contest

The Chapter Project Contest highlights the collaborative work of Junior Historian chapters across Texas. These projects showcase how students research, preserve, and present history in their schools and communities. Reports may be submitted as either a filmed presentation or a written report.

A. Filmed Presentation (Video Format)

• Maximum length: 5 minutes
• Formats: Documentary-style video with narration or a narrated slide presentation (e.g., PowerPoint)
• Video must begin with:
  • School name
  • Chapter number
  • Sponsor name
  • Project title
• Submit via a file-sharing platform such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, or OneDrive. (We do not recommend YouTube due to copyright filters.)
• Email the shareable link to juniorhistorians@tshaonline.org. Include in the email:
  • School name
  • Chapter number
  • Total number of chapter members
  • Title of the chapter project

B. Written Report (PDF Format)

• Maximum length: 6 pages
• The first page must be a title page that includes:
  • School name
  • Chapter number
  • Sponsor name
  • Project title
• Submit as a PDF attachment by the deadline to juniorhistorians@tshaonline.org.
• In the body of the email, include:
  • School name
  • Chapter number
  • Total number of chapter members
  • Title of the chapter project

C. Required Report Elements

All chapter project reports—whether filmed or written—must clearly include:

1. The scope of the project
2. The objectives or goals
3. The procedures or process followed
4. What the students learned

Reports should also be accompanied by supporting evidence such as photographs, scanned documents, or other relevant materials.

3. Texas History Day (THD)

Junior Historians are eligible to compete with individual and small group projects (2-5 students) in the National History Day program.

Students first enter a regional contest near them with the winners advancing to the Texas History Day state contest in Austin, TX. Project categories for grades 6-12 include historical papers, exhibits, documentaries, performances, and websites. For elementary students in grades 3-5, there is a poster contest that follows the guidelines of the National History Day program.