Historical Society Presents 'History for the Birds' Contest

Celebrate U.S. history and architecture by creating a birdhouse modeled after a historical structure in the Northampton Township Historical Society's first "History is for the Birds" contest.

The competition will be "a hands on, multidisciplinary project that [participants] can build themselves," Julie Mueller said. Mueller is the Historical Society's youth coordinator, public relations liaison and newsletter editor.

Participants can recreate a barn or a log cabin, the White House or Capitol building. The birdhouse can be based on a historical structure that is still standing, or one that no longer exists. If participants choose to use something that no longer exists, they must have proof that it once stood, because all entries must have a picture of the real structure taped to the bottom of it.

"The key part is that the structure is important to U.S. history—from colonial times to the present," the competition guidelines state.

The birdhouses can be made out of any material that makes it functional and usable outdoors, such as wood, stone or metal. 

In addition to creating the birdhouse, participants younger than 19 have an extra task. Entries in the ages 13 - 18 or 12 and younger category must include a small pamphlet or booklet that shows the original structure, states why they chose it and why it is important to U.S. history.

"It requires them to communicate in words as well," Mueller said.  

Though parents can help their children with the birdhouses, the Historical Society hopes that the kids will complete most of the work themselves, especially the design and detail.

There is no fee to enter the contest, but all entry forms must be received by Nov. 9. The actual birdhouse must brought to the Northampton Township Library on Saturday, Nov. 10 between 12 and 3 p.m.

Entries will be judged on Nov. 11 on a scale of 1 to 5 on the following 5 point:

1. Likeness to original structure
2. Overall appearance / Composition of the design
3. Originality / Imagination / Use of materials
4. Difficulty of design / design execution
5. Completeness and quality of pamphlet/booklet (for ages 13-18 amd ages 12 and younger)

Birdhouses will then be displayed from Nov. 15 through Dec. 1. at the Northampton Township Public Library.

First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in three age categories:

Winners will be posted on the Northampton Township Historical Society's website on Nov. 12 and will be notified by mail or e-mail no later than that week. The winners are invited to the society's annual Potluck Dinner Meeting, which will be held Nov. 15 at 6 p.m.