Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) announced today that The New York State Historical Association and the Royal Netherlands Embassy have introduced a New York State Quadricentennial Essay Contest for the 2008-2009 school year.
Grades 4-12 are invited to participate in New York State’s 400th birthday by studying its early colonial history and developing an interesting essay. Students will have the opportunity to research and write about the early Dutch influence on our state, specifically focusing on three contributions from the Dutch: religious tolerance, freedom of speech and the creation of New York as a center of world trade. Local libraries will support research by collaborating with social studies teachers and displaying reference materials related to the topic.
“The original Dutch settlements in New York State made significant contributions to the cultural historic and religious development of our people,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “This intriguing contest enables pupils to discover and experience the rich history of New York State as part of our Quadricentennial Celebration while educating and inspiring appreciation for the roots of our heritage.”
The deadline for competition submissions is March 1, 2009. For more information, including contest and submission guidelines, visit www.nysha.org/nysha/ for teachers or call Assemblyman Cahill’s district office at (845) 338-9610.
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