Mildred Smith Historical Essay Scholarship Contest (2025)
About the Scholarship:
Every year the Smithtown Historical Society offers junior and senior year students in the Township of Smithtown an opportunity to win a $2,000 scholarship. The Mildred Smith Historical Essay Contest, a scholarship award, is open to all 11th and 12th graders in attendance at Commack, Hauppauge, Kings Park, and Smithtown East and West High Schools, as well as The Knox School and Smithtown Christian School. The contest is currently in its 19th year.
Mildred Smith was an original founder of the Smithtown Historical Society and its first President. She possessed an intense passion for the history of Smithtown and was a great friend and supporter of the Society. The Smithtown Historical Society is proud to honor her through this annual essay contest and hopes that the spirit of Ms. Smith will live on in the carefully researched and well-constructed student submissions.
Submissions will be accepted from April 3, 2025, through September 26, 2025 and may be delivered to the Smithtown Historical Society's office at the Roseneath Cottage, 239 Middle Country Road, Smithtown, New York 11787, or emailed to programcoordinator@smithtownhistorical.org.
The scholarship will be officially awarded at our annual Heritage Ball held at Watermill Caterers in Smithtown on November 5, 2025. For additional information or any questions, please call our office at (631) 265-6768 or email us at info@smithtownhistorical.org.
2025 Scholarship Essay Question:
2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the Smithtown Historical Society. Reflect on the significant milestones and contributions of the Society over the past seven decades. How has the Society evolved in its mission to preserve and promote the history of Smithtown? Discuss the impact of its programs and initiatives on the community and envision the future role of the Society in the next 70 years.
Once you have completed your research, construct a well-organized essay that presents the information gathered. Below are some suggested resources to help you.
Rules and Guidelines:
• Papers must be 3-5 pages in length, typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman size 12 font. Any photos included are in addition to the typed pages and should be on a separate page.
• Papers must address the subject as outlined above. You must cite sources used, including interviews.
• Papers will be judged on 3 criteria: quality of writing, quality of historical research, and creativity.
• Judging will be completed by a panel selected by the Historical Society.
Resources:
• School Librarian/Media Specialists - They will be able to direct you to resources and provide guidance as you conduct your research.
• Interviews - If you are researching a modern-day conflict, you may be able to talk to someone who experienced life in Smithtown during that time. You may also be able to gather information from family stories that have been handed down. Check the library for recorded interviews. Veteran organizations might also be a good source of first hand accounts.
• Long Island Room at the Main Branch of the Smithtown Library - You must call to make an appointment, (631) 360-2480, ext. 197. There are microfilm collections of Smithtown newspapers as well as other primary and secondary sources available.
• Smithtown Historical Society - Check the resources tab on our website for access to our online collection. You may also contact the Society to arrange for materials from our collection.