The Godfrey Library is again sponsoring their annual Family History Essay Contest this year.

From their press release:

"The 2004 Family History Essay Contest is open to all students, grades 4-12th. It is an opportunity for students to learn more about their own families and to permanently preserve their family histories. Entries will be judged by grade level, completeness, style and presentation. All entries must be postmarked by Friday, 15 Oct 2004.

• Winning essays will be published by the Library
• Each winner will receive a printed copy of the winning essays
• Every student will receive a Certificate of Recognition

Your essay can be limited to the biography of one person or can tell the story of an entire family. If you choose to write a biography of a relative, tell why you selected that person. Each essay should be the student’s best work and represent his/her best effort in writing and historical research.

Students are encouraged to contact relatives, visit libraries, cemeteries and repositories to gather their family information. Interview your parents, grandparents etc. and document their lives. They can give you the answers to questions about the family like:

Where did my family come from?
Why did they move to where we live now?
What occupations did they have?
What interesting stories are there about members of our family?

In addition to your essay you should include a copy of at least one document used to verify your essay. This can include a copy of:

• Census Records. The page where the family appears in the census
• Vital Records. Copies of birth, marriage or death records
• Newspaper Articles: Copies of a newspaper article; obituary or other item
• Book: Copies of pages pertaining to the family
• Cemetery Records
• etc.

Students are encouraged to include copies of photographs and supporting records to document their family histories.

It is hoped that the students will learn more about family history and will become familiar with historical and genealogical research.

The Library wants this to be a fun, learning experience that will become a treasured family record. If the Library staff can help you call us at: 860.346.4375 or e-mail us at: essay@godfrey.org and we will help you to document your family history.

Please let us know if you'd like registration forms for youth in your family; library; school; church group etc.

Godfrey Library