Historical Picture Prompt Writing Contest

The Montana History Portal is hosting the 6th Annual Historical Picture Prompt contest. Using any photo in the Portal collection as a story prompt participants will write a fictional short story (650 words or less) and enter through our submission form. Winners will be chosen from grades 3-6, grades 7-12, and adult. Entries will be accepted starting January 5, 2026, and the deadline to enter is February 27, 2026.  You can start drafting your short story anytime, but the submission form will not open until January 5!

And save the date! The portal's annual Meme contest will be in May with the deadline for submissions May 13, 2026. We will share the details later, but in the meantime, check out some of last year's winners!