Madison County’s Attic Local History Contest

The local historical society, Historic Madison County and Jail Museum is looking for students to submit stories and artwork about family history and artifacts in their homes or businesses for the first-ever Madison County’s Attic Local History Contest.

We talk about the historical objects at the Madison County Jail Museum and at our membership meetings, now it’s time to see what kind of history our local citizens have in their own attics. We mean that figuratively. Artifacts can be located anywhere in the county not just on participant’s property, not just in their attics and we also want family stories.

The contest is open to county residents, age from 3rd grade through 12th grade. One entry is allowed per person. The entry subject must be related to Madison County or families living in the county.

Entries must be postmarked no later than April 18, 2008. Students interested in entering the contest are required to fill out an entry form and submit it, along with their contest entry, to Historic Madison County, 122 North Main Street in Fredericktown, MO 63645.

All entries must be submitted by snail mail; e-mail entries will not be accepted. For entry forms and contest rules, call Ruth Ann Skaggs at (573) 783-4085, or Historic Madison County Museum at (573) 783-2722.

There is no cost to enter the contest. This contest offers a $50 prize to winners in three age groups: 3rd through 5th grades, 6th through 8th grades and 9th through 12th grades. A grand prize may also be given.

Entries will be displayed at the Madison County Jail Museum during the Azalea Festival in early May. The winners will be awarded at a membership meeting later in May.

Copies of all entries will become part of the Historic Madison County Museum archives.

The members of Historic Madison County are extremely excited about this project. We look forward to seeing what kind of history people have in their homes, and from communities around Madison County. We hope to learn even more about our local history from the entries in this contest.

For over 30 years, Historic Madison County has been the local leader in teaching the public about Madison County history. We are proud to create, organize and sponsor this local history contest as part of our mission to promote the heritage of Madison County to residents and visitors through publications and programs.