Since its founding in 1889, the Sons of the American Revolution has promoted historic preservation, education, and patriotism across the nation. We offer programs, scholarships, and awards yearly for public-school students, officers in training, and eagle scouts. The contests are organized by age group for elementary, middle, and high school. In addition, we recognize teachers in our Amerian History Teacher award. Each contest is outlined below with a reference for additional information.
Public School Programs
Grades 3-5
The SAR Americanism Poster Contest is open to students in 3rd, 4th or 5th grade, depending on when the American Revolution is taught in their public, private, parochial, charter and home school. The contest is also open to members of the C.A.R., Cub Scouts and Brownies who are in the same grade if their school does not participate. Judging is based upon portrayal of the year's theme, originality, evidence of research, neatness, artistic merit and creativity. The permanent themes are "Revolutionary War Events" in school years ending in an even number and "Revolutionary War Persons" in school years ending in an odd number.
| Entry Deadline: | About March 1st. |
| Awards: | Massachusetts Society: $250, $100; National Society monetary award |
| Contact: | Youth Poster Contest Chairman |
| More information: | National Website |
Grades 6-8
The SAR Middle School Brochure Contest in honor of Sgt. Moses Adams is open to middle school students, depending on when the American Revolution or Government is taught within their public, private, parochial, charter or home school. The contest is also open to members of the C.A.R., Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who are in the same grade if their school does not participate. Judging is based upon content, creativity and correctness. The permanent theme is "The Founding Documents of the United States." National winners receive a ribbon, certificate and a cash award. Prizes on the state and chapter level vary.
| Entry Deadline: | About March 1st. |
| Awards: | Massachusetts Society: $200, $150, $100; National Society monetary award |
| Contact: | Youth Poster Contest Chairman |
| More information: | National Website |
Grades 7-12
The SAR Children of the American Revolution Award is given at chapter, state, and national levels to C.A.R. members who have performed outstanding service in the furthering of the principles of freedom, and knowledge about and appreciation of the American Revolution, and in supporting the goals of the C.A.R. (C.A.R. members)
| Entry Deadline: | About December 31st. |
| Awards: | Massachusetts Society: Varies by chapter. |
| Contact: | Youth Essay Contest Chairman |
| More information: | National Website |
The SAR Historical Oration Contest in honor of Joseph S. Rumbaugh is open to all students in Secondary School to perpetuate the stories of patriotism, courage, tragedy and triumph of the men and women who achieved the independence of the American people. These stories are universal ones of man’s eternal struggle against tyranny, relevant to all time, and will inspire and strengthen each generation as it is called upon to defend our freedoms on the battlefield and in our public institutions. The contest culminates in an inspiring National Orations Contest held each year, where State winners represent their respective Societies and Districts.
| Entry Deadline: | About December 31st. |
| Awards: | Massachusetts Society: $500, $250, $100; National Society: $3,000, $2,000, $1,000 |
| Contact: | Youth Oration Contest Chairman |
| More information: | National Website |
The SAR Essay Contest in honor of George S. and Stella M. Knight is designed to give high school students an opportunity to explore events that shaped American history. At Chapter, State Society, and National Society levels, students must submit an original essay, with topics based on original research and deal with an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Cash award.
| Entry Deadline: | About December 31st. |
| Awards: | Massachusetts Society: $500, $250, $100; National Society: $2,000, $1,000, $500 |
| Contact: | Youth Essay Contest Chairman |
| More information: | National Website |
Teacher Awards
The SAR American History Teacher Award sponsored by Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence recognizes teachers whose instruction on the Revolutionary War era from 1750-1800 demonstrates educational efforts in the classroom that exceed and excel above current accepted, curriculum requirements. Winners of the award choose a trip to one of the following seminars:
- Freedoms Foundation Summer Teacher Graduate Workshop at Valley Forge, Pa.,
- Colonial Williamsburg Summer Teacher Workshop in Williamsburg, Va.,
- Jefferson Symposium at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., or
- SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution.
| Entry Deadline: | About March 1st. |
| Contact: | Awards and Medals Chairman |
| More information: | National Website |
Officers in Training
The Massachusetts Society is proud to recognize outstanding cadets for their high degree of merit, leadership qualities, military bearing, and general excellence. We provide certificates and medals for cadets in high schools and colleges, and offer a National Recognition Program where JROTC cadets compete at chapter, state, and national levels for cash awards and scholarships. Please visit this page for more information.
Eagle Scout Recognition
The Massachusetts Society is proud to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of new Eagle Scouts with a commemorative certificate, an opportunity to compete for an Outstanding Eagle Scout Award from a chapter of our state, and an invitation to compete for $20,000 in scholarships from our National Society. Please visit this page for more information.