The Kansas Historical Foundation announced that entries are being accepted for the Annual Kansas Factual Story Contest. Sponsored by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas, the contest encourages written preservation of factual, unpublished happenings and anecdotes in the lives of Kansans today and yesterday. The contest is open to everyone. Stories must be true and unpublished, take place in Kansas, and limited to 750 words. One entry per person, and entries will not be returned. Entries must be submitted electronically by e-mail no later than November 22, 2013. The author’s name, mailing address, and phone number must be included on the essay. Send entries to: Terry Marmet, Kansas Historical Foundation, membership@kshs.org. Include “Beech Memorial Contest” in the subject line of the email. The Kansas Historical Society may preserve all stories in their collections

Olive Ann Beech, of Wichita, provided winners with cash awards for over 30 years. Following her death, her daughter, Mary Lynn Oliver, Wichita, has continued this support. The Beech Memorial cash awards are: 1st place, $175; 2nd place, $125; 3rd place, $100; and $50 each for two honorable mentions.

A panel from the Kansas Historical Society and the Foundation will judge entries. Winners will be announced and recognized at the annual meeting of the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas Friday, January 24, 2014, in Topeka. For more information, contact Terry Marmet, Director of Operations for the Kansas Historical Foundation, at 785-272-8681, ext. 209 or membership@kshs.org.