The Platt Family Essay Contest is an annual writing competition organized by the Lincoln Forum, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. The contest is open to undergraduate students in the United States who are enrolled full-time in a college or university.
Essays must be between 1,500 and 5,000 words in length and must be original, unpublished work. They are judged based on their historical accuracy, quality of research, and clarity of writing. The winner of the contest receives a cash prize of $1,500, while the runner-up receives $750. The winning essays are also published in the Lincoln Forum’s journal, The Lincolnian.
The Platt Family Essay Contest is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students to engage with the legacy of one of America’s greatest presidents and to hone their research and writing skills. It also provides an avenue for students to share their insights and perspectives on Lincoln’s life and presidency with a wider audience.