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. Prizes are awarded by the City Council at an ice-cream social in the garden of the Los Altos History Museum.

Winners at each grade level receive $50 for first place, $30 for second place and $20 for third place. All entrants receive a certificate of participation. In addition to individual prizes, the school with the most winners will be awarded a trophy.

The City and the History Museum will provide information on entering the contest in the Spring 2025. 

2025 Essay Contest 

Nomination information for the 2025 essay will be posted in Spring 2025. 

Essay Contest Documents

Essay contest documents will be posted in Spring 2025.;

2024 Essay Winners

A list of the 2024 essay winners and their essays can be viewed here: https://www.losaltoshistory.org/education/historical-essay-contest/