2025 Student Contests: Take a deep dive into American history—and win cash prizes

This spring, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is pleased to offer a series of contests for students in grades 3 through 12. All contests are free to enter, provide cash prizes for the winners, and allow students the opportunity to explore a particular topic, theme, or individual from American history. 

Learn more about each contest below, and please email education@gilderlehrman.org if you have any questions!

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Food Conservation during WWI: "Food Will Win the War"

When most people think of wartime food rationing, they think of World War II. However, civilians were encouraged to do their part for the war effort during World War I as well. This colorful poster by artist Charles E. Chambers was issued by the United States Food Administration to encourage voluntary food conservation. “Food Will Win the War” was the name of the campaign initiated by the newly appointed head of the agency, Herbert Hoover.
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Washington Dodge: Titanic Survivor, April 1912

One hundred years ago this weekend, the RMS Titanic sank, claiming the lives over 1,500 passengers and crew. In this account, Dr. Washington Dodge recounts his tale of survival. Written on board the RMS Carpathia during the three-day journey back to New York, this eyewitness account is one of the earliest and most compelling accounts of the disaster. Dodge’s handwriting and sentence phrasing offer a glimpse into his state of mind as he penned his testimony.
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Romeo Smith: Slave, Soldier, Freeman

Born enslaved, Romeo Smith of Windham, Maine, entered the Continental Army with the promise of freedom in exchange for military service. He served in the 7th Massachusetts for three years and was supposedly manumitted. Yet in January 1784, the threat of being reclaimed as an enslaved person surfaced and Romeo sought the assistance of General Henry Knox.
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Introducing Amy King, the 2019 North Carolina History Teacher of the Year and National Finalist

Amy King North Carolina History Teacher of the Year and Finalist for National History Teacher of the Year
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Recent Press Mentions

Graduation Ceremony Held for the Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History

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On Saturday, July 15, Gettysburg College celebrated the achievements of graduates of the Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History.
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International Press for GLI's Spanish-American Curriculum Partnership with the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute

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The Sentinel Interviews Kevin Weddle on Winning the Gilder Lehrman Prize for Military History

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"In today’s 5 Questions, The Sentinel gave Weddle the opportunity to delve deeper into the research and findings of his book that recently earned him the Gilder Lehrman Prize for Military History."
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