The American Legion | Department of Arkansas

Department of Arkansas Historian's Contest

It has been a well-established policy of The American Legion to encourage the preparation of Post histories. Such information on the Post's activities will be of considerable value in the years to come.

National Headquarters and the Department of Arkansas is also aware that in many Posts a professional historian does not fill the position of Historian. This need not deny a proper recording of the respective Post's activities. Any Arkansas Legionnaire may submit an entry into the Department of Arkansas Historian's Contest on behalf of their Post. Only one entry per Post, per category, will be accepted. All entries will be judged in accordance with the National Historian's Contest guidelines and standards. In the "Related Links" section at the bottom of this page you may view the recommended Narrative & Yearbook History outlines.

The scope of the information included is the main consideration, keeping in mind, the comprehensiveness, readability, and arrangement, so as to make it not only an interesting account of your Post but a reference source as well.

As Historian, you should start now to make a permanent record of your Post for the year ahead, from installation of officers, up to and including the Annual Department Convention.

There are three entry categories;

One-Year Post Narrative History

One-Year Post Yearbook History

Complete Post History (Non-Judged Category, all entries receive an award).

The deadline for entry certification to Department Headquarters is opening day (Friday) of the Annual Department Convention.

Judging and announcement of winners will be conducted at the Annual Department of Arkansas Convention. The Department Historian will not judge any entry, but will select the judge(s) and oversee the contest. Awards will be given to the First, Second, and Third Place entries in the One-Year Post Yearbook and One-Year Post Narrative History categories only. The Department's First Place Winning entry in the One-Year Post Yearbook History, and One-Year Post Narrative History categories will be forwarded for entry in the National Historian's Contest conducted each October.

Post's that compile a complete history of their post "Founding to Present" will receive special recognition for their entry. All entries in this category will receive an award for their work. This is a Non-Judged category.

National Contest rules, Yearbook & Narrative History outlines can also be found in

"The American Legion Officer's Guide" and at the links provided below.

The American Legion National Historian would like to encourage all past, present and future Department Historian's to join the National Association of Department Historian's of The American Legion (NADHAL). This elite group of past and present Department Historians meet annually in Indianapolis, IN. to conduct the organizations business for the coming year, elect officers, and to judge the Department and Post History entries submitted to the National Historian's Contest.

Contact your Department Historian for information and membership.

Related Links

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