The Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City is holding the Great Missouri Treasure Hunt, a statewide contest that celebrates Missouri's rich heritage and historic records held by public institutions.
The contest invites Missourians to explore these collections and share what they discover about their family or community. Participants can submit stories, scans of documents, photos or videos. The contest is open until Aug. 31.
The contest will award prizes in three categories: family history, Civil War history and Missouri history. To enter, participants must share the story of their "Missouri Treasure" and explain its significance. For example, a death certificate that reveals a missing link in a family tree or a provost marshal letter that details how the Civil War impacted a Missouri community. Personal treasures may be entered as well.
Participants are encouraged, although it is not required, to attach photos, scans of documents or a video to illustrate the story.
Participants can win one of more than 100 prizes by participating in weekly challenges on the contest's Facebook page or by submitting an entry to the contest.
The winners in each category will be chosen through online voting. Prizes include a hotel stay near the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, a family portrait session using Civil War-era tintype photography, numerous books on Missouri history, preservation supplies, games, digitization of old home movies and a spot in the 2011-12 Official Manual of the State of Missouri.
Complete rules and entry forms are available online at www.GreatMissouriTreasureHunt.com.