Sons of the American Revolution
Education · High School · Public Speaking
The Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest
High school students research and deliver an original five-to-six minute oration on an event, person, or document of the American Revolution and its relevance to America today. Deadline: March 11 every year.
Community & Public
Education programs · Forsyth County, Georgia
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. Contestants agree to accept the interpretation of the rules and the decisions of the NSSAR and its judges without reservation.
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.
How the Contest Works
The contest begins with preliminary rounds held by state societies or chapters of the SAR. One winner is selected from each participating state. Each state society or district sets its own contest dates and deadlines. Before the chapter winner competes at the state level, the Chapter Chairman sends the State Chairman a copy of the oration, a photograph of the contestant, a biographical sketch of the contestant, and any required forms.
- Awards and Recognition: At the National Congress, the National Society provides awards and recognition for all orators who participate in the national preliminary and final contests. The first-place national winner is not eligible to compete in future Rumbaugh contests, and is expected to attend the youth awards luncheon the day after the final competition.
- 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.
Judging Criteria and Etiquette
All judges must be SAR members. Contestants are evaluated on:
- Composition
- Delivery
- Significance
- History
- General excellence
- Adherence to time (the oration must be within the 5-6 minute limit)
Contest etiquette: no applause until all orators have finished speaking, and no private videotaping or flash photography during the orations.
Forms & Official Rules
Contact
Questions About This Program?
Students, speech and history teachers: contact the Robert Forsyth Chapter to enter the oration contest or confirm this year’s deadline.