Iowa County history contests bring cash prizes to Iowa County students

The Iowa County Historical Society, as part of its 50th anniversary observance, and in conjunction with the 250th birthday celebration of the United States of America, is sponsoring two contests for Iowa County students, a history poster contest for middle school 6th, 7th and 8th graders, and a family history essay contest for high school seniors.

The Iowa County History Poster contest, is open to current middle school students residing in Iowa County, including home schooled students. The students should create a poster to illustrate a historical event prior to 2000 that has taken place in Iowa County. It can range from the history of the student’s home town or student’s family history during their time in Iowa County. For each of the three grades, prizes will be awarded of $100 for 1st place, $60 for second place, and $40 for 3rd place.  

A notice of the contest was sent to eight area middle schools which have students living in Iowa County, inviting the students to submit posters with a chance for a prize.  The posters will be due at the museum of the Iowa County Historical Society, 1301 N Bequette Street, Dodgeville, WI by May 22, 2026.  The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The Iowa County Family History Essay contest, with a prize of $500 for each of the two winners, is open to any current high school senior residing in Iowa County, including home schooled seniors, who submit an essay of up to 1000 words detailing their family history.  This could include information about residency, employment, military service, public offices held, and accomplishments of the student’s family and past family generations.  

A notice of the contest was sent to eight area high schools which have students living in Iowa County, inviting the students to submit essays with a chance for a prize.  The prize money is being donated by a member of the Society. The essays will be due to the Iowa County Historical Society at P O Box 44, Dodgeville, WI 53533 by May 1, 2026. 

The winners of the history poster contest will be announced, prizes awarded, and posters displayed at Dodgeville Town Square Local History Day on Saturday July 16, 2026, along with the winners of the history writing contest.  

For more information about the two contests, the Iowa County Historical Society can be contacted at 608/935-7694 or ichistory@mhtc.net.