CONESVILLE — The Conesville Historical Society is inviting residents and neighbors to participate in the "America 250 Contest," a creative competition celebrating local history and heritage as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial.

The contest is open to participants of all ages, with categories ranging from pre-K through adulthood. While residency in Conesville is not required, all submissions must reflect the local area of Schoharie, Greene, and Delaware counties, with a preference for entries that celebrate the town of Conesville.

Participants can choose from three submission formats: essays, poems, or visual arts, which may include artwork or photography. Submissions must be based on one of four specific prompts:

Natural Beauty: Focusing on a local place of beauty and a special memory associated with it.

History: Describing a significant person or event from the area’s past.

Heroes: Highlighting a local person who has served the community.

Pride: Showcasing a person, place, or organization that makes the creator proud of the region.

The Historical Society will award first, second, and third prizes, along with honorable mentions, in each category for every age group. An overall honorable mention will also be selected for each age division.

All entries must be submitted by June 15, 2026. Submissions should be in a standard 8.5x11-inch letter format; for larger visual artworks, a photograph of the piece should be provided instead.

Interested participants can submit their work via email to conesvillehistoricalsociety@gmail.com or by mail to the Conesville Historical Society at 1306 State Route 990V, Gilboa, NY 12076. Entries may also be dropped off at the Conesville Town Hall during designated Monday or Wednesday hours, or submitted directly to the Gilboa-Conesville Central School.

All participants must include a completed entry and consent form with their submission. The Historical Society plans to showcase selected works on social media and in future digital and print publications.