Deadline – March 11 every year

Official Rules: Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest

  1. Contest Structure
    The contest begins with preliminary rounds held by state societies or chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). One winner is selected from each participating state. In areas without a state society, a district entry is allowed. Each state society or district should provide information about the contest to high school teachers (speech, history), as well as principals, counselors, and other educators, as early as possible.

  2. Eligibility
    The contest is open to sophomore, junior, and senior students at public, private, parochial, and home schools within the jurisdiction of the sponsoring state society or district.

  3. Oration Requirements

    • The oration must be original and last between 5 and 6 minutes.
    • The topic must focus on an event, person, or document related to the American Revolutionary War and connect it to America today.
    • The oration must be essentially the same as the submitted manuscript.
    • Notes, props, or military uniforms may not be used during the presentation.

  4. State Contest Deadlines
    Each state society or district sets its own contest dates and deadlines, ensuring enough time to submit the winner for the national competition. Before the chapter winner competes at the state level, the Chapter Chairman must send the following documents to the State Chairman:

    • A copy of the oration
    • A photograph of the contestant
    • A biographical sketch of the contestant
    • Any required forms

  5. Awards and Recognition
    At the National Congress, the National Society will provide awards and recognition for all orators who participate in the national preliminary and final contests.

  6. Contest Expenses
    The sponsoring state society or district may cover the costs of lodging, meals, and transportation to the NSSAR Congress. A chaperone for the contestant may also be provided.

  7. Contest Etiquette

    • No Applause: Applause is not allowed until all orators have finished speaking.
    • No Private Videotaping or Flash Photography: Personal videotaping or flash photography is prohibited during the orations.

  8. Judging Criteria
    All judges in the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest must be members of the SAR. The judges will evaluate contestants based on:

    • Composition
    • Delivery
    • Significance
    • History
    • General Excellence
    • Adherence to Time (the oration must be within the 5-6 minute time limit)

  9. Agreement to Rules
    Contestants must agree to accept the interpretation of the rules and the decisions of the NSSAR and its judges without reservation.

  10. Future Participation
    The first-place national winner is not eligible to compete in future Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contests.

  11. Youth Awards Luncheon
    The national winner is expected to attend the youth awards luncheon the day after the final competition at the National Congress.

Entry Packet (Download)