For more than 10 years, the Middlesex County Historical Society has sponsored a contest to honor its longtime treasurer, the late William E. Sheedy.  The contest is intended to promote each student's awareness of his or her family history.  Third-grade students in Middletown public, private and parochial schools and those attending Independent Day School in Middlefield are eligible to enter the contest.

The Sheedy History Contest taps into students' innate inquisitive spirits and hones their research skills as they use a variety of techniques as well as primary and secondary sources to create their depictions.  They interview family members, dig up old newspaper clippings, and unearth photographs and documents to explore the connections between a loved one's life and the era he or she lived in.

And we at the Middlesex County Historical Society take their efforts seriously. A copy of each winning report is added to our permanent collection, expanding our archives and knowledge about the citizens of Middletown and their forebears.

Entries are judged on their creativity, neatness and overall presentation.  Winners are awarded a $50 U.S. Savings Bond and all participants are presented with a certificate of participation and a special pencil.  We will celebrate all those who enter the contest at a reception at General Mansfield House in June.  Judging is conducted by an impartial panel of teachers, historians and officers of the Middlesex County Historical Society.

We hope you encourage your child to enter.

Contest Rules