Young Historians Wanted to Share Perspectives on Local History
Children have a way of painting a picture of history that is endearing, creative—and often, humorous. Each spring, Elmhurst second grade schoolchildren are encouraged to share their unique takes on local history through the annual Ruth Strand Poster Contest. The Elmhurst Heritage Foundation and the Elmhurst History Museum invite aspiring young historians to participate in the 19th Annual Ruth Strand Poster Contest. Children in second grade who attend any Elmhurst elementary school are eligible to submit an entry.
Poster forms will be distributed to second grade Elmhurst teachers and interested participants may also pick up forms and contest rules at the Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave. in Elmhurst, or download the form at http://www.elmhursthistory.org/404/Ruth-Strand-Poster-Contest.
The poster contest recognizes the many gifts of Elmhurst resident Ms. Ruth Strand (1904-1999) who was director of the Elmhurst Public Library for 20 years and a founding member of the Elmhurst History Museum. The contest has been held since 2000 to honor Ms. Strand’s valuable contributions to the Elmhurst community, and especially her devotion to children, history, and education.
The subject for the poster contest is any aspect of Elmhurst history, and submissions should feature an original drawing by the student with a brief description. Posters must be submitted using the official contest entry form. All entries must be received at the Elmhurst History Museum by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2019.
Contest winners will receive special prizes, and schools with ten or more participants will receive a $100 donation from the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation to their school library. Winners and their families will be honored at a reception in the Elmhurst History Museum’s Education Center on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. In addition, the contest winners will be invited to march in the Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27 and be recognized by the City Council on Monday, June 3. Posters will be displayed at the museum and winning entries will be exhibited at Elmhurst City Hall.
For more information on the Ruth Strand Poster Contest, please go to elmhursthistory.org or call the Elmhurst History Museum at 630-833-1457.