The Aurora History Museum, in
partnership with the Aurora Public Library and Cultural Services, and
the Office of People, Belonging, and Culture of the City of Aurora, are
sponsoring an essay contest open to current residents who are 18+ years
old, or who are enrolled in a high school, college or university in
Colorado. The Aurora History Museums and its partners seek to:
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Engage citizens in interpreting local history.
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Encourage people of all ages to interact with the historic resources of the city.
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Better understand the needs and interest of the community.
Prompt
Why is Aurora’s history important to you and your community?
As the third largest city in Colorado and
the most diverse, Aurora encompasses a beautiful community, rich with
history and culture. It is a unique place with deep meaning for many of
the residents that call this city home, and these stories span geography
and generations. History is a collection of these stories, and the city
of Aurora wants to know: Why is Aurora’s history important to you and your community?
You are encouraged to share your story in
this first essay contest sponsored by the Aurora History Museum. Essays
should draw on Aurora’s unique history using specific events or
individuals, and how those events and individuals have connected to and
impacted your experience in the city of Aurora.
The following requirements must be met when submitting the essay:
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Essay meets the minimum 1250-word requirement.
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Essay does not exceed 1500 words.
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Essay is double-spaced.
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Essay margins are one-inch.
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Essay is written in Times New Roman, Ariel, or Calibri font.
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Essay font is 12-point.
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Essay includes a cover page with
full name, email address, and phone number. There is no identifiable
information about the author on the main pages of the essay.
Participants should utilize the Aurora History Museum and any of the
many branches of Aurora Public Libraries to provide information on
specific individuals, events, and/or geographic places that demonstrate
an impact and connection with the author’s community. Deadline to submit is 11:59 p.m. Mountain time Thursday, Oct. 31. Visit AuroraHistoryMuseum.org to submit your essay as well as to learn more about requirements, details and rubric.
Prizes
Each essay contest winner will receive one of three prizes in the form of a check that will be awarded as follows:
Best high school essay written in English, prize $225.00, runner-up $50.00
Best undergraduate essay written in English $400.00, runner-up $50.00
Best current Colorado resident essay written in English $325.00, runner-up 50.00
The winners and their families will be invited to an award ceremony held
at the Aurora History Museum, where certificates and prizes will be
given to the winners of each category. The winning essays will also be
published and archived in the Museum’s digital collection.
Deadline to submit is 11:59 p.m. Mountain time Thursday, Oct. 31.