Historical Picture Prompt Short Story Contest

Historical Picture Prompt Writing Contest Winners

Get your story writing skills ready! The Montana History Portal is hosting the 5th Annual Historical Picture Prompt contest. Using any photo in the Portal collection as a story prompt participants will write a fictional short story (650 words or less) and enter through our submission form. Winners will be chosen from grades 3-6, grades 7-12, and adult. The deadline to enter is February 21, 2025. 

 
Where to begin? Browse the photo collection to find an interesting photo. Once you've found an image save the link to that image - you'll need it when submitting your story.
 
If the entire collection is too overwhelming, try one of these smaller collections: 
 

 
How to Enter
Write a fictional short story based on the photo (650 words or less). We are using an online form this year for contest entries. We recommend using a Microsoft Word Doc or a Google Doc to draft your story. Use a basic font and single spacing. Complete the following form and copy and paste your story into the form where asked: https://forms.office.com/g/dwhFwz4y9A  
Remember, the entry deadline is February 21, 2025. Photos and stories will be highlighted on History Portal social media accounts.
 
Prizes

To be Determined
                   
2025 First Prize for each age group: Valued at $

2025 Second Prize:  Valued at $

 
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

There is no fee to participate in the Montana History Portal Photo Prompt Contest.

There is no restriction on the number of entries a participant can submit.

The Montana History Portal does not endorse the content of any stories created for this Contest.

We have the right to reject submissions for violations of, but not limited to, inappropriate content, defamation, or copyright issues.

The Montana History Portal reserves the right to disqualify any Entrant or Entry at its sole discretion. No correspondence shall be entered into.

The Montana History Portal reserves the right not to select finalists if, at its sole discretion, no suitable entries are received.

Entering the Contest grants the Montana History Portal permission to make public and otherwise use an entrant’s name and story for publicity purposes.

Participation constitutes the entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules. By participating in the Contest, the entrant is representing and warranting that he/she has read and understood, and agrees to be bound by, these rules. Including the guides and rules referred to herein, these Official Rules constitute the entire agreement between the entrant and the Montana History Portal in relation to the Contest. They govern the entrant’s participation and supersede any prior or other agreements between the entrant and the Montana History Portal relating to the Contest.