I believe that experience is the best teacher, and one of the best ways to learn is by doing. I am going to challenge myself, and invite you to join me, in developing genealogical writing skills. You can work on writing a formal genealogy, a biographical sketch of an ancestor, an article, or any other piece of genealogical writing you choose.
I also know that competition and a deadline can be a great motivator.
Listed below are genealogical writing competitions where you can be recognized and rewarded for excellent writing. Even if you do not plan to submit a piece to one of these competitions this year, it can be a goal for the future. The challenge I issue is to work on improving your writing skills and honor your ancestors by telling their story.
GENEALOGY WRITING COMPETITIONS
Thanks to Michael Hait for compiling this list of writing competitions.
http://haitfamilyresearch.com/freeresources.aspx
American Society of Genealogists
ASG Scholar Award
http://www.fasg.org/asg_scholar_award.html
2012 Deadline: Interested applicants for the award should apply before September 30, 2011.
“The ASG Scholar Award provides financial assistance for a developing scholar to attend one of three training programs in American genealogy: the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), the National Institute on Genealogical Research (NIGR), or the new Certificate Program in Genealogical Research at Boston University. The recipient may register for the program of his or her choice.” Submit “a manuscript or published work of at least 5,000 words, demonstrating an ability to conduct quality genealogical research, analyze results, and report findings in an appropriately documented fashion.”
BCG Education Fund
Donald Mosher Memorial Award for Colonial Virginia Research
http://www.bcgcertification.org/educationfund/index.html#MOSHER
2011 Deadline: The annual deadline is 31 December.
“This competitive Award was established in 2001 by Merrill Hill Mosher, CG, of Oregon, to honor her late husband in gratitude for his support of her genealogical endeavors. The $500 grant funds scholarly research on colonial Virginia topics in the following categories: family genealogy, study of immigrant origins, or projects focused on obscure or difficult unpublished Virginia resources.”
Connecticut Society of Genealogists
2011 CSG Literary Awards
http://www.csginc.org/csg_literary_awards.php
2011 Deadline: Entries must be received in CSG’s Office by February 15, 2011.
“Entry Categories are:
a.) Genealogy, related to New England (begins with someone in the past and moves forward in time through all of his/her descendants).
b.) Family History, related to New England (begins with someone living today or recently and moves backward in time usually in a direct line).
c.) Genealogical Resource related to New England (might include cemetery abstracts, compilations, court records, etc.)”
Connecticut Society of Genealogists
“Tell Your Family Story” Essay Contest
http://www.csginc.org/csg_literary_awards.php
2011 Deadline: Entries must be received in CSG’s Office by February 15, 2011.
“Essays may include transcriptions of excerpts from an ancestor’s journal/diary; transcriptions of cemetery markers; oral histories; family histories/traditions and socio-economic background surrounding/affecting an ancestor. Essay writers are encouraged to use their imagination when deciding on a topic. Please bear in mind that essays must have some relevance to New England (see #2 above).”
International Society of Family History Writers and Editors
Excellence in Writing Competition
http://isfhwe.org/
2010 Deadline: The contest will begin 1 October 2010. Entries must be received by the coordinator no later than 31 December 2010.
National Genealogical Society
The Family History Writing Contest
http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/family_history_writing_contest
Deadline for Submissions: 31 December Annually
To encourage members to write a family history that covers at least three generations and not more than four. Full rules on website.
Ohio Genealogical Society
The 4th Annual Ohio Genealogical Society Writing Competition
http://www.ogs.org/writing2011/index.php
2011 Deadline: Entries will be accepted from 1 December 2010 through 1 February 2011.
“Showcase your genealogical writing talent in one of the Ohio Genealogical Society’s outstanding journals. OGS is sponsoring its fourth annual genealogical writing contest which is open to authors of genealogical and historical material. In doing so, OGS will reward genealogical authorship and will feature the winners in its journals. Two OGS journals will reach our 5,400-member base while the two subscription journals reach genealogical and historical groups with special interests in early Ohio history and in Ohio’s Civil War soldiers. The contest is for articles dealing with Ohio history and genealogy, Ohio records groups, Ohioans who left to settle elsewhere and Ohio families. OGS welcomes articles ranging in size from 750 words up to 5,000 words, depending on the subject.”
Oklahoma Genealogical Society
Family Story Writing Contest
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ttp://www.okgensoc.org/storywriting-contest.htm
2011 Deadline: postmarked by 30 April 2011
“There is no entry fee and membership in OGS is not required for this year. There should be some connection to Oklahoma, either through the author’s residence or the story itself. There will be two divisions: Adult and Student.”
Pinellas Genealogy Society
Family History Writing Competition
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~flpgs/quarterly/pg-writingcontest.htm
2011 Deadline: All entries must be received no later than 31 October 2011.
“Entries should be based on the author’s research of a family history or a genealogical account of family lines and lives, discussing the steps followed and the conclusions that resulted from the research. Entries must be original, unpublished papers or published papers. If previously published, please submit permission to reprint from the original publisher along with the entry.”
Rogue Valley Genealogical Society, Inc.
Family History 2011 Writing Contest
http://rvgsociety.org/2011WritingContest.pdf
2011 Deadline: Submit entries between March 15, 2011 and April 15, 2011.
“Piece must be written to the theme: “Person, Place or Thing”. Weave a story around an object your ancestor made or used that was passed down through the family, or write about your favorite family member or story. Your story must be factual, with suppositions clearly indicated. Documentation in the form of endnotes or footnotes is required. Length is to be between 750 and 5000 words.”
Southern California Genealogical Society
GENEii Family History Writing Contest
http://www.scgsgenealogy.com/index.php
2010 Deadline: Entries must be received between November 1 and December 31, 2010.
“The contest is for factual articles: either family history or local history, character sketches, or memoirs. The entries should capture a sense of a family’s experience(s), or the character of a locality, or reveal an individual’s character and personality. The best articles will help illuminate the human drama—and will also illuminate the era, and/or the historical or social context of the subject.” FAQs for 2010 Contest on the website.
Texas State Genealogical Society
TSGS Writing Awards
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txsgs/TXSGS-New/Pages/Awards/Writing.htm
2010 Deadline: 1 September 2010
Contest open to TSGS members. Several categories. Full rules on website.
