Department-selected entries to be included in public showcase at national convention.
With the evolution of the National Post History Contest into the National Historian’s Showcase at the annual American Legion national convention, library staff at National Headquarters in Indianapolis have released a list of frequently asked questions – and answers – sent in by post historians as to the process in 2026.
What do I include in our post history? What time period should my history cover – 1 year, 2 years, the entire history of the post?
There are no right things to include or exclude. These histories are resources to document your post’s history, for both the post and the community. The best way to determine what to include is to have a discussion with your adjutant about what the post deems to be important for its historical record. Some create single-year histories to honor their commander’s year; others do longer-term histories. It is the post’s decision.
What is the proper format for the history books?
A basic guide is available on the showcase’s website. If you are creating the book to submit for a department contest, reach out to your department historian for specific guidance on how your state’s books are judged.
What are the guidelines nationally?
The only contest at the national level is for department-level histories compiled by department historians. Post histories will be showcased at the national level but not judged; each department may select a digital and hard-copy post history for display at the national convention. The national historian will include books submitted and certified by the department adjutant, regardless of design. The National Historian’s Showcase was created to honor the histories winning at the department-level competitions and display what posts nationwide are doing.
How are histories submitted?
Each department choses their method of selection, and the department adjutant must certify any book submitted to the showcase. For questions about how formatting or how books are selected for the showcase in your department, contact your department headquarters. For questions about the timing and logistics for the showcase, email library@legion.org.
The 2026 National Historian’s Showcase will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Nunn, 2nd Floor, East Tower of the Galt House Hotel, less than a half-mile from the Kentucky International Convention Center. This year, history books from Sons of The American Legion squadrons will be on display as well.
- Library & Museum