40th Annual Margaret Thompson Historical Essay Contest

Children from grades three through six are invited to participate in the Margaret Thompson Essay contest through their schools. Essays are written covering a specific theme. Each year hundreds of essays are judged by community members and prizes are awarded in the spring. 

2024 Essay Contest Theme: Your Pathway to California – Inspired by the El Camino Real
 

Step back in time through an important part of California’s history at the Los Altos History Museum’s current exhibit “El Camino Real: Changing California.” Go on a journey through the rich and sometimes controversial past of this iconic “Royal Road” as you visit some Spanish Missions, learn about the impact these missions had on the Indigenous communities, and see the bells that continue to mark the road today. As you view the businesses that once lined the road, you and your family will be able to reminisce about your favorites. Finally, take a look ahead as you celebrate the past and think of ways to revitalize this road which is part of California’s ever-changing story.  You may visit the Museum any time before March 3, Thursday-Sunday, 12-4 p.m., to view this exhibit. For more information on this exhibit, please visit this website: https://www.losaltoshistory.org/exhibit/el-camino-real/

The history of our state is the story of the people who came here- including ourselves! People are still coming here today. Even as you read this, newcomers are unpacking their bags. Our own immigration stories can help to explain why people continue to move to California and the Bay Area

Essay Contest Documents

For submission guidelines and more information, please utilize the following documents: 

The Los Altos History Museum will also post the rubric to the museum website on January 8th, and they request that any questions be sent to hello@losaltoshistory.org. 

2023 Essay Winners

A list of the 2023 essay winners and their essays can be viewed here: https://www.losaltoshistory.org/education/historical-essay-contest/ 

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