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City of Norwalk’s Interim Schools Superintendent James A. Connelly endorsed the program and said he will help in any way he can to ensure its success.
“The Young Writers’ Competition at the Mansion allows our youth to learn about life during the Victorian Era while developing their comprehension and writing skills. A win-win on several levels,” said Patsy Brescia, chairman of the museum's board of trustees.
In 2014, students who joined the competition were asked to write a mystery exploring the mansion’s general history. This year, however, museum educators will be asking third and eighth graders to focus on the unsung protagonists of this National Historic Landmark, the dozens of workers and domestic servants that contributed to the construction of the mansion and well-being of the household during the Lockwood and Mathews eras.
This competition will be connected to the opening of the Mansion’s Servants Quarters, where students will explore the mansion’s history, artistic legacy, and technology, as well as mid-to late 19th-century issues relating to immigration, social justice, the role of women in the workplace, and more.
By having the opportunity to partner with the Ernest Hemingway name and trademark, the museum hopes to give participants in this program inspiration, increased educational productivity and opportunities that may advance their career as students.
“We hope that Hemingway’s iconic name and memorable stories will heighten this competition’s visibility and serve as a major inspiration for all students who will choose to participate,” said Susan Gilgore, executive director of the museum.
The competition will culminate with an awards presentation with prizes to the top three, third and eighth grade students, and featuring Jennifer Pustz, author of "Voices from the Back Stairs." In addition to prizes, competition winners will be able to meet and speak to a “published author” and successful nonprofit director, and attend her lecture held on Oct. 4, the same day of the awards presentation.
For more information on the competition and the Education Program visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com or call 203-838-9799, ext. 4 or email info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com.
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