The Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest is a national competition sponsored since 1947 by the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution. The contest is designed to explore the influence of the Revolutionary War on present day America and is open to High School students in grades 9 through 12. The Contest’s purposes are:
- To support historical research in high schools by promoting oratorical presentations related to our Revolutionary War period 1750-1800.
- To emphasize American History to the high school student and focus on an intelligent relationship between the past and the present.
- To place a positive emphasis on the plans of our founding fathers.
- To facilitate enhancement of public speaking skills in young people who are future leaders of our Nation.
Participants must write an original oration of not less than five minutes, or more than six minutes. The oration must be delivered from memory and without the use of notes or any kind of props. The subject of the oration shall deal with an event, a personality, or a document pertaining to the Revolutionary War with an emphasis on our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. It is essential that each oration show the relationship it bears to America today. Evidence of historical research and creative presentation are also important. The oration will be judged based upon its composition, delivery, significance, historical accuracy and relevance to our 250th anniversary.
The winner of the local contest will have their entry submitted to the California State Society for State level Competition. The winner of the State level will have their entry submitted to our National Society for national level judging. The State level winner will receive a cash award of $1,000 and the National level winner will will receive $8,000.
Presentation must be made to a panel of local judges in January or February, date to be set in December. You may contact our program coordinator at; rumbaugh@sarsandiego.org