The Michigan War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, the Michigan Council for History Education and DTE Energy, are pleased to announce an essay contest for students in 3rd through 12th grade. The contest theme is "The Legacy of the War of 1812." This contest is open to any Michigan student in public, private, parochial, charter, and home school settings. The entries will be judged in three grade categories: 3rd-5th; 6th-8th; and 9th-12th grades. All students entering the contest will receive a Certificate of Participation

"The Legacy of the War of 1812" Student Essay Contest offers three First Place Awards of $500, three Second Place Awards of $300, and three Third Place Awards of $100. All prize winners will receive three complimentary tickets to the "Commemoration of the 'Grand Pacification Ball'" to be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015, 5-9 p.m., at the Detroit Historical Museum. In addition, Mackinac State Historic Parks will provide a "Family Heritage Pass" for the 2015 season to the three first place winners.

The postmark entry deadline is Wednesday, December 24, 2014, the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, which, once ratified by both the British (December 27) and the United States (February 16, 1815), marked the official end of the conflict.

Entry forms and contest guidelines are available at www.michiganhistoryed.org
For more information, contact David Hales at 734-334-1311 or halesd@resa.net

Support for Michigan's War of 1812 Bicentennial activities has also been provided by Bio-Magnetic Resonance, Inc., DTE Energy, Detroit Historical Society, Historical Society of Michigan, Michigan Council for History Education, Mackinac State Historic Parks, MIchigan Humanities Council, and River Raisin National Battlefield Park.

Contact: Jim McConnell,
Secretary, Michigan War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission
734-525-2062 or jam1776@sbcglobal.net