Western Heritage Center Student Contest
Check back soon for information on the 2025 contest theme!
What is the Student Contest?
The contest’s theme (determined by exhibit themes), invites students to discuss the history and impacts of American history. Students will do their own research on a topic that interests them about the state theme’s history—nationally, statewide, or personally.
Individual students, pairs, or classes will get to choose the medium. Accepted formats include papers, websites, pieces of art, films, poems, or songs (exceptions can be made upon contact).
Who can participate?
There will be two separate divisions for this contest.
Division 1: 4th-7th graders
Division 2: 8th-12th graders
Students must be from Yellowstone County.
Contest Information
Projects are due May 16, 2025. First place winners of each division will receive $100, and second place winners will receive $75. Submissions will be scored by an anonymous panel of judges. All participants in the contest will receive a complimentary family membership to the Western Heritage Center.
Projects will be judged on whether they demonstrate:
- Historical Understanding
- Composition
- Creativity
- Strong Connection to the Theme
A panel of judges will make the final selection of division winners. Winners will be announced the week of May 6, 2024.
Selected projects will be displayed in the in-person exhibit and a separate Western Heritage Center online exhibit.
How to get started?
We encourage students to visit the exhibit: Equally Different: Uncovering the History of Disability at the Western Heritage Center for inspiration. Exhibit opens March 26, 2025.
Guiding questions to consider
Submissions
Projects will be submitted digitally through Google Forms.
(Exceptions can be made upon contact).
In addition to the project, students will write a simple project statement of no more than 500 words. This statement should explain the research, the project, and any personal connection to the student(s).
Contact Information
For any questions please contact lauren@ywhc.org
