Independence Day Writing Challenge

Ironmaster House 4th of July

NPS photo

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, in collaboration with the Friends of Hopewell Furnace, is accepting essay submissions related to the Declaration of Independence for inclusion in this year’s Independence Day programming at the park. Students attending school within the boundaries of the following school districts are invited to participate:

Chester County:

Coatesville
Downingtown
Owen J. Roberts
Phoenixville
Twin Valley

Montgomery County:

Pottstown
Pottsgrove
Spring-Ford

Berks County:

Antietam
Boyertown
Daniel Boone
Exeter
Governor Mifflin
Oley Valley
Reading
Wyomissing

Contest Details:

Prompt: What does the word “liberty” mean to you?

Essay Criteria:

• Grade Level: 6-12
• 500 words or less (Grades 9 – 12)
• 300 words or less (Grades 6 – 8)
• One essay submitted per person
• Essays must be written solely by the candidate and cannot contain any plagiarized material.
• Present a clear theme statement related to the prompt
• Provides sufficient content supporting theme statement

Next Steps: Essays will be reviewed by a panel of judges based on the criteria above with the top 3 from each grade group being selected for cash awards of $125 for 1st, $100 for 2nd, and $75 for 3rd. Top 3 selectees from each age group will also be invited to participate in the park’s Independence Day public program at 2pm on July 4th.

Information to include in all submissions:

Students should include:

• Name

• Grade

• Name of the school or school district student is in

• Private and Home schooled students welcome

• Name of a parent or guardian and their email address

• Telephone number

  Essays may be submitted:

• By mail addressed to:

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
c/o Independence Day
2 Mark Bird Lane
Elverson, PA 19520

• Hand delivered to park visitor center Wednesday – Sunday 9am – 5pm

• Email: [e-mail]

Submission deadline:

• Must be received or post marked no later than Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Previous Winning Essays