Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum to Launch Young Writers' Competition in Area Schools

 

Norwalk, Conn., April 15, 2014 – The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is launching a Young Writers' Competition among students from area schools to encourage creative thinking and writing and introduce mid-to-late 19th century history and the arts to tomorrow's museum audiences.

Steve Berry, New York Times best selling author (#1 internationally) and his wife Elizabeth are the creators of the History Matters foundation dedicated to historic preservation. Berry will work with LMMM's educators and judge the finalists in a contest that will culminate in the awards presentation at the Museum's Opening Night Gala on October 18, 2014, with cash and other prizes.

"This is a great way to introduce students to this magnificent National Historic Landmark," said Patsy Brescia, LMMM Chairman of the Board of Trustees. "A writing competition is a creative and educational way for students to explore the Museum's great history and architecture, while honing their writing skills."

LMMM Educators dressed in period costume will meet with teachers and students in the classrooms, and introduce the Mansion in a PowerPoint presentation followed by a visit to the museum, where students can draw ideas and inspiration for their story.

Trustee Haroldo Williams, chair of the Education Committee said, "I am a firm believer that this kind of experiential learning can be a great way to understand history and appreciate the arts in a deeper and more meaningful way."

Competition requirements include a mystery story with the Mansion as the backdrop, taking place between 1868 and 1900, which needs to be between 500-800 words for third grade students and 2,500 words or less for eighth graders. The Museum will also explore the possibility of adapting the award winning stories into a performance feature at the museum in the near future.

"I am truly grateful to Steve Berry for lending his enormous talent to help us launch the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum's first writing competition in our schools," said Executive Director Susan Gilgore. "I hope this is the beginning of a new and exciting educational program for students at the Mansion." For more information on the competition and the Education Program please visit our website at www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com or call Joy Romeo, LMMM Volunteer Coordinator at (203) 838-9799, ext. 119 or email jromeo@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com. Limited availability based on a first come, first serve basis.

The Museum's 2014 cultural and educational programs are made possible in part by generous funding from LMMM's Founding Patrons: The Estate of Cynthia Clark Brown; The Museum's Distinguished Benefactors: Klaff's, The Xerox Foundation, and The Maurice Goodman Foundation; LMMM Sustainers: Spinnaker Real Estate Partners. Gala and Young Writer's Competition Sponsors: M.F. DiScala & Co. The Museum's Education Program is made possible in part by the Fairfield County Community Foundation.

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark. For More information on schedules and programs please visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, email info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call (203) 838-9799.