Contestants are invited to come in and explore the wide variety of treasures from our past on display and find that one piece that sparks their imagination! They may be amazed to learn that antiques aren\u2019t just that fragile china dog on their granny\u2019s mantle\u2026 they may find harpoons and relics from old ships, tribal pieces made by American Indians or Pacific Islanders, mysterious objects from the Orient or ancient Egypt, or rare artifacts from age of the Pilgrims or the Revolutionary War! After asking whatever questions they wish about the object\u2019s identity and history to get started, they can have fun researching and exploring their chosen piece at the library and the many island museums, and then put their new found knowledge and imagination to work by writing a story about their object. The young author can write a fictional \u201cbiography\u201d that follows their object through the various imagined hands that have owned it over the years since it was made; perhaps exploring some of the ways it had been used. The author may choose to write an exciting story that takes place sometime in the past, where the chosen object plays an important role.<\/span><\/p>\n All of the authors are encouraged to think of their object as a real character in their story and address when it was made, where it was from, what was its purpose, what was its life like, what did it witness? The contest is an opportunity to learn about our culture and get a better feel for Nantucket\u2019s past, all while having fun with a creative project. The Antiques Depot is hoping the young authors will discover that exploring antiques will inspire a lasting appreciation of history and heritage.<\/span><\/p>\n The story writing contest will launch during the Nantucket Book Festival<\/b>\u2026 stop by and visit our table at the author\u2019s tent in the Atheneum garden on Saturday, June 21st<\/sup> from 10:00 to 4:00. The contest is open to all young people, and the authors will be divided into a group aged 12 and under, and a group aged 13 to 18. The stories will be judged on the accuracy of information related, creativity and of course writing skill. The stories may be hand-written or printed, may be delivered either in person, by post, or by email, and<\/span> must be submitted by July 23rd<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n The winners may pick their choice of grand prize:<\/p>\n * Their very own Kobo ereader (generously donated by the Nantucket Bookworks)<\/span><\/p>\n * A vintage hand-crafted Ship-in-a-Bottle<\/span><\/p>\n * A selection of vintage Nantucket books<\/span><\/p>\n * A gift certificate to the Antiques Depot<\/span><\/p>\n The winning stories will be published in the Antiques Depot Blog, and (with their parent\u2019s permission) will also be submitted to the Chamber of Commerce website, the Inquirer & Mirror, Yesterday\u2019s Island, the Nantucket Chronicle, and the Nantucket Arts Council website. The winning author(s) will also be considered for an interview on ACK-FM.<\/span><\/p>\n Best of luck and we look forward to reading your entries!<\/span><\/p>\n The Antiques Depot is located at 14 Easy Street and is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 4 pm. Inquiries are welcome at 508-228-1287<\/b>, and at <\/span>info@nantucketantiquesdepot.com<\/span><\/a><\/span>. Follow us on <\/b><\/span>facebook and twitter by going to our website <\/b>at <\/span><\/b>www.nantucketantiquesdepot.com<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n ______________________________________________________________<\/p>\n![\"Child](\"http:\/\/nantucketantiquesdepot.files.wordpress.com\/2012\/07\/child-writing.jpg\")
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