Local History Scholarship 2025

The Jackson County Michigan Historical Society is pleased to announce a scholarship essay contest for senior year high school students in the county. This contest is an amazing opportunity that encourages students in our community to further their knowledge of Jackson County history by researching its historically significant events, people, and places. We invite high school seniors to participate by submitting an essay on a Jackson County historical subject of their choosing. This is an opportunity for students to showcase their research and writing skills while gaining more knowledge about our local heritage.

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Participants are asked to write an essay that highlights an aspect of Jackson County’s history that they find intriguing or important. The past belongs to everyone, and each generation looks at the past differently. Whether it’s a historical figure, a landmark, or an event that shaped the community, JCMHS looks forward to seeing local history through the eyes of young students with their unique perspectives and insights. The three winning essays will not only earn a $1,000 scholarship but also be featured at our annual banquet on November 13th, 2025.​

 

To Enter:

• Be a graduating senior, Class of 2026, from a Jackson County, Michigan high school.

• Be planning to attend a 2-year or 4-year accredited college or university, enroll in vocational training, or enter an apprenticeship program in fall of 2026.

• Possess a 2.0 or higher career GPA.

• Submit 2 letters of recommendation (not from a family member).

• Submit a personal statement (no more than one page typed) on why history is important.

• Submit an essay narrative on a Jackson County History subject (500 word minimum, typed, double spaced, and 12-point font).

• Must be present to receive a scholarship at JCMHS Annual Banquet November 13th, 2025, 6PM at Jackson College Bert Walker Hall (ticket not required).

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Essay ideas:

1. The Underground Railroad in Jackson County

   • Investigate the role of Jackson County in the abolitionist movement and how local residents assisted freedom seekers escaping slavery.

2. Lost and Forgotten Villages of Jackson County

   • Explore the history of small communities and settlements in Jackson County that have faded over time, such as Francisco, Stony Point, and Jefferson, and their impact on the county’s development.

3. Jackson’s Civil War Training Grounds

   • Research the history of Camp Blair or Camp Jackson, where Michigan soldiers trained for the Civil War, and its role in the war effort.

4. Jackson’s Role in the Automotive Industry

   • Examine how Jackson contributed to Michigan’s auto industry and how it influenced the local economy.

5. The Jackson County Poor Farm: Caring for the Less Fortunate

   • Research the history of the Jackson County Poor Farm, how it operated, and what it reveals about social welfare and community support in the past.

6. Michigan State Prison: A History of Reform and Controversy

   • Discuss the history of Michigan State Prison, one of the largest and most infamous prisons in the country, and how it shaped Jackson.

7. The Rise and Fall of Jackson’s Theaters

   • Explore the history of Jackson’s local theaters, including iconic venues such as the Michigan Theatre, the Capitol Theatre, and others that no longer exist, and their role in the city’s cultural scene.

8. The Impact of Railroads on Jackson’s Growth

   • Examine how Jackson became a major railroad hub in Michigan and how it influenced the city’s economic development.

9. Notable Women in Jackson County History

   • Highlight the contributions of influential women from Jackson County, such as educators, business leaders, or social reformers.

10. Other

    Choose your own subject pertaining to Jackson County history!

 

Application deadline Friday, October 3, 2025 '

 

If none of the submitted applications meet the award criteria, the award will be carried forward to a 2026 scholarship opportunity.