The Maryland Colonial Society is offering prizes for history projects in Maryland elementary and high schools. The theme of this year's contest is: The Body Politic Revisited...Maryland's Colonial Governors, 1634-1776. Students may choose to research the life and administration of any one of Maryland's colonial governors from 1634-1776.

The administrations of Maryland's colonial governors were fraught with danger and conflicting forces. The specter of savage attack and warfare were ever-present. Royal taxes and and regulations were violently opposed by the colonists. The chain of command, from the English king to colony proprietor,  was, at times, rife with corruption and scandal. But Maryland's colonial governors carried on, many with remarkable integrity and diplomacy. Hard-earned indeed was the accolade given to Governor Horatio Sharpe in 1769: "...the invariable rectitude of his conduct...his unremitting attention to the happiness and prosperity of Maryland...has secured to him the unabated love and attachment of a grateful people." Such words would be music to the ears of present-day politicians. The dedication and foresight of many of the early governors of Maryland endure through the years. They are inspirational examples of what public servants can accomplish with courage, honor, and perseverance.

Detailed Contest Rules

For high school students:

• Annual essay contest:
• Prize: $150 for winning essay based on above theme
• Two webpage contests:
1. Best individual webpage based on the above theme
Prize: $150 for winning webpage
2. Best class webpage based on the above theme
Prize: $150 for winning class webpage on the above theme


Winners are offered the opportunity of a prestigious summer Internship in Maryland History at the Maryland State Archives.

The contest is open to any interested Maryland high school student or class, and teachers are encouraged to use the contest as a class assignment.
 

• A contest for the best class project based on Governor Leonard Calvert.
• The book Leonard Calvert and the Maryland Adventure by Ann Jensen can be obtained from:
Tidewater Publishers, P.O. Box 456, Centreville, MD 21617
Orders may be placed by phone at: 1-800-638-7641
• Prize will be a book gift certificate for the school library in the class' name

This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user. Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website! Archives' Home Page    |    Maryland Manual On-Line    |    Reference & Research    |    Search the Archives    |    Students & Teachers    |    Archives of Maryland Online Governor     General Assembly    Judiciary     Maryland.Gov

© Copyright December 15, 2023 Maryland State Archives