Jean Saunders Contest
How to Submit Your Project
The Putnam History Museum will be open on Friday, February 6 from 12PM to 5PM so you can drop off art projects! If you need to arrange special accommodationsoutside of that time, please email education@putnamhistorymuseum.org. For digital projects and the written part, please email a copy to that same email address before the due date at 5PM.
Double check that you have both:
- Written Part (Include contact information here)
- Creative Part
At a Glance:
| Who can enter? | Students in 7th grade or kids who are 12–13 years old and live in Putnam County. You can enter alone or with a partner (just two people max). |
| What’s it about? | Your project must focus on the Revolutionary War in Putnam County. Pick a topic, ask a historical question, and then create something cool that answers it! (Don’t worry, we walk you through the process starting on page 5). |
| What do you make? | You need two parts: Written Part – 400–700 word artist’s statement (about 1–2 pages), typed, with at least 3 sources in a bibliography. Creative Part – This can be art, a poster, a model, a zine, a short video (10 min or less), or another creative idea. |
| Prizes? | Yes!🏆 1st place: $500 🥈 2nd place: $300 🥉 3rd place: $100 (If you work with a partner, you’ll share the prize money.) |
| Judging: | Judges are teachers, historians, and librarians who love history and helping kids learn. A rubric is included in this packet for reference. |
| Deadlines & Ceremony: | 📅 Projects due: Friday, February 6, 2026, by 5:00 pm 📍 Drop off: Putnam History Museum (63 Chestnut St, Cold Spring, NY) or submit by email: education@putnamhistorymuseum.org 🎉 Awards Ceremony: in March! |
| How do you join? | Register below! |
| Need help? | The museum staff can help you research and plan your project. Just email education@putnamhistorymuseum.org or call 845-265-4010 to set up a time |
In short: Pick a Revolutionary War topic, research it, create something fun and original, turn it in by February 6, 2026, and you could win cash prizes and be honored at a special ceremony!