Our Annual Essay Contest

Maine Maritime Museum celebrates Maine’s maritime heritage and culture to educate the community and a world-wide audience about Maine’s role in regional and global maritime activities. The Nathan R. Lipfert Maritime History Award of $500 is created to inspire high school students to learn about Maine’s maritime history and honors Curator Emeritus and Morse graduate of ‘69, Nathan R. Lipfert.

In concurrence with previous years, the prize is awarded to one Morse High School student for an outstanding essay about Maine’s maritime history. Essays must be research-based and 1,000 words or less, on a topic of the student's choice that is related to Maine's maritime history. Students may utilize primary sources (personal interviews, historical documents, photographs, etc.) and/or secondary sources (books, articles, etc.).

Consideration will be given to research conducted in the Nathan R. Lipfert Library at the museum for research, or research conducted online within the library and collection database which can be accessed through the museum website, or through the link here. The essay may be supplemented with images, charts, and/or illustrations. The essay must use a consistent citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago). Students may submit one essay per academic year and must be submitted as a single .pdf document that includes a title page with the student's name and contact information. Students conducting research at the museum receive free admission.

Submission Details:

This is open to all Morse High School Students

Submissions are due Friday, April 10, 2026

Documents can be submitted to education@maritimeme.org

All qualifying participants will receive: Two one-hour Lighthouse & Nature Cruise tickets, which include museum admission, and the winner gets an additional $500 prize.