250th U.S. Anniversary

Deadline Feb. 1, 2026
Submit entries here button link:  250th Writing & Reels Contest – Fill out form

The Declarations of Independence Writing & Reels contest welcomes written and video contributions from all Montco students reflecting on their personal declarations of independence, highlighting moments of growth, challenge, and/or personal transformation. Submissions that incorporate some of the themes or ideas of the original Declaration of Independence will be given special consideration during the judging.

Written submissions should not exceed 1,320 words (the length of the Declaration of Independence), and they can take any form, including fiction, non-fiction or poetry.  Video submissions should not exceed five minutes in length.

All materials should be submitted electronically. Written submissions should be uploaded as Word documents or pdf files, and videos should be uploaded as .mp4 files.

Winners and runners-up will be invited to read or screen their works (or portions of them) at an event in the spring.

This event is sponsored by the Division of Liberal Arts in collaboration with the Student Government Association.  Awards of $250 dollars will be given to the top selections in writing and in videography.  Two runners-up in each area will receive $50.

Deadline Feb. 1, 2026
Submit entries: 250th E Pluribus Unum (From the Many, One) Mural Contest – Fill out form

For this contest, all Montco students are invited to submit a colorful mural design that reflects the theme of “From the Many, One.”

The winning design will be painted (color by number style) by the entire Montco community during paint-in events held in conjunction with Student Government Association elections (e.g., “Paint with a Candidate”) and then assembled for the community at an event in the spring.

This shared project celebrates the many voices that make up our diverse Montco community and emphasizes the importance of the arts to bring people together.

This event is sponsored by the Division of Liberal Arts in collaboration with the Student Government Association. An award of $250 dollars will be given to the designer of the winning mural.

Deadline: March 16, 2026 | Noon

Submit entries: Justice Bell Song Submission

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Create an original piece of music, lyrics or instrumentals and a 250-word (or less) essay explaining how the piece was inspired by the Justice Bell Replica (currently on display at the entrance of the Brendlinger Library in College Hall on the Blue Bell Campus). The contest is open to all students and employees, and there is no limit on the number of entries a person can submit.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on March 31, 2026, at 4 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center atrium, Blue Bell Campus.

Six prizes of $500 each will be awarded.

Funded by the Jonas C., Marion D., and Robert H. Erb Charitable Fund

• Monday, November 17 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  Advanced Technology Center Atrium, Blue Bell Campus
• Tuesday, November 18 | Noon – 1 p.m.
  North Hall Room 214, Pottstown Campus

Join us to record a short story centered on the theme of gratitude—bring a friend, family member, mentor, or come solo!

Sign up to reserve your time slot and receive prep details.Montco "StoryCorps" Sign Up

What is “StoryCorps?”

Inspired by the national StoryCorps initiative, this Montco event honors the belief that everyone has a story worth sharing. Together, we’ll capture meaningful moments that reflect our shared humanity.  Learn more

 What to Expect

• Record a five-minute conversation about gratitude with someone meaningful or reflect on your own.
• Stories will be edited to about two minutes and archived at Montco.
• Select recordings may be featured on Montco Radio.
• You’ll receive a copy of your edited story to keep and share.

• Tuesday, February 10, 2026 — 1 p.m.
  Advanced Technology Center, Room 101, Blue Bell Campus

Free and open to everyone

Dr. Emily Sneff is an early American historian and leading expert on the United States Declaration of Independence. She received her Ph.D. in History from William & Mary. She is a consulting curator and advisor for museum exhibitions and public programs marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration in 2026.

This event is sponsored by the Division of Liberal Arts.

• Wednesday, March 18, 2026 — 12:30 p.m.
  Parkhouse Hall Atrium, Blue Bell Campus
• Thursday, March 19, 2026 — 12:30 p.m.
  Community Room, Pottstown Campus

Open to all students

Let’s play History Jeopardy! This fun event is open to all students. Small prizes will be awarded, and refreshments will be served.

This event is sponsored by the Division of Liberal Arts in collaboration with Student Affairs.

• Tuesday, March 31, 2026 — 4 p.m.
  Advanced Technology Center Atrium, Blue Bell Campus

This powerful documentary, “Finding Justice: The Untold Story of Women’s Fight for the Vote,” uncovers the inspiring history behind the Justice Bell and the courageous women who helped reshape American democracy. Discover the legacy of their struggle and the symbol that rang out for equality.

• Date & Time – To Be Determined
  Advanced Technology Center Atrium, Blue Bell Campus
  
  
• Date & Time – To Be Determined
  Pottstown Campus, North Hall Room 214

Join us to record a short story centered on the theme of freedom—bring a friend, family member, mentor, or come solo!

What is “StoryCorps?”

Inspired by the national StoryCorps initiative, this Montco event honors the belief that everyone has a story worth sharing. Together, we’ll capture meaningful moments that reflect our shared humanity.  Learn more

What to Expect

• Record a five-minute conversation about gratitude with someone meaningful or reflect on your own.
• Stories will be edited to about two minutes and archived at Montco.
• Select recordings may be featured on Montco Radio.
• You’ll receive a copy of your edited story to keep and share.