40th Annual Margaret Thompson Historical Essay Contest

2024 Theme:  "Your Pathway to California - Inspired by the El Camino Real"

The Los Altos Historical Commission and the Los Altos History Museum are co-sponsoring the 40th annual Margaret Thompson Historical Essay Contest, open to third- through sixth-graders who live in the area and/or attend local schools.

Step back in time through an important part of California's history at the Los Altos History Museum's current exhibit "El Camino Real: Changing California." Go on a journey through the rich and sometimes controversial past of this iconic "Royal Road" as you visit some Spanish Missions, learn about the impact these missions had on the Indigenous communities, and see the bells that continue to mark the road today. As you view the businesses that once lined the road, you and your family will be able to reminisce about your favorites. Finally, take a look ahead as you celebrate the past and think of ways to revitalize this road which is part of California's ever-changing story.

Come to the Museum grounds any time before March 3, Thursday-Sunday, 12-4pm, to view this exhibit. For more information on this exhibit, please visit this website: losaltoshistory.org/exhibit/el-camino-real/  

The deadline to submit essays is Friday, March 8. Please click the following links for important contest information: Essay Prompt, Essay Rubric, General Instructions, and Cover Sheet.

For more information, visit losaltoshistory.org.

Living Classroom Winter Docent Training
9:00 - Noon Mondays 12/4, 12/18 & 1/22
Los Altos School District iLearn Studio
201 Covington Road, Los Altos CA 94024

Do you like to connect kids with nature? Living Classroom is seeking volunteers to teach our fun nature-based lessons and help care for our school gardens. No experience necessary as we teach you everything you need to know. Please join us from 9-Noon on Mondays 12/4, 12/18 and 1/22 at the LASD iLearn Studio for our Winter Docent Training. If Mondays don't work for you, please ask us about our apprentice-style training option.

Questions? Please contact Living Classroom Program Coordinator Caroline Chan at livingclassroom@lasdschools.org or call (650) 947-1103. Check us out at LivingClassroomLASD.org!