When did the Miss America Competition begin?
The Miss America Pageant began in 1921 as a gimmick by Atlantic City businessmen to extend the summer tourist season. The Miss New Hampshire Pageant was started over 50 years ago by the Union Leader corporation, and is now an independent organization. The Miss Capital Area Program was started in 1990 by the Capital Area Jaycees, and is now an independent organization.

What is the Platform?
In 1989, the Miss America Organization founded the platform concept, which requires each contestant to choose an issue about which she cares deeply and that is of relevance to our country. Once chosen, Miss America and the state titleholders use their stature to address community service organizations, business and civic leaders, the media and others about their platform issues. Since 1989, Miss America titleholders have appeared at thousands of public speaking engagements and charitable events to generate awareness for a variety of causes, including homelessness, HIV/AIDS prevention, domestic violence, diabetes awareness, character education, literacy, etc.

What does Miss Capital Area do after she is selected?
After Miss Capital Area is selected she participates in various community events throughout the year, promotes her chosen platform whenever possible, and prepares for the Miss New Hampshire competition. If she is selected as Miss New Hampshire, she participates in many more events and appearances throughout New Hampshire. If she is ultimately chosen as Miss America, she embarks on a year-long national speaking tour. As a national spokesperson and advocate, Miss America travels approximately 20,000 miles a month, to a different city every other day, addressing diverse audiences, increasing awareness and promoting her chosen platform.

How old do I have to be to compete?
Contestants in the Miss America system are between the ages of 17 and 24. For more information on eligibility for the Miss program, click here. 

Teens must be between 13 and 17 (not yet a high school senior); Pre-teens must be between 9 and 12; Little Miss contestants must be between 5 and 8.

Is there an entry fee to compete in the Miss Capital Area Program?
No, there is not an entry fee to compete in the Miss Capital Area Program. (Note:  There is a fee for the Miss Capital Area Teen/Pre-Teen competitions. The fee for these competitions is $75.)

What is the Miss Capital Area Teen/Pre-Teen Competition?
The Miss Capital Area's Outstanding Teen and Pre-Teen Competition was started in 2003 as a fundraiser for the Miss Capital Area Scholarship Program. Contestants in the Pre-Teen category are between 9 and 12, and contestants in the Teen category are between 13 and 17. Contestants pay a $60 entry fee, with proceeds going to the Miss Capital Area Scholarship fund. The Teen and Pre-Teen winners receive crown and banner. The Teen winner goes on to participate in the Miss New Hampshire's Outstanding Teen competition the following year. For more information on these competitions, click here.

Is the Miss America program different than Miss USA?
Yes. In 1952, Catalina Swimsuits founded the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants as product promotion tools. Developed by the Miss America Organization, the Miss America program exists to provide personal and professional opportunities for young women to promote their voices in culture, politics and the community. Almost all contestants have either received, or are in the process of earning college or postgraduate degrees and utilize Miss America scholarship grants to further their educations. The Miss America Organization is the leading provider of scholarships for young women in the world. Although some young women compete in both Miss America and Miss USA, the two systems are completely separate.

Are scholarships available for those who are not awarded a title?
Yes. Scholarships are awarded to the top 3 contestants, and to a community service award recipient. Even if you do not win a title you may still be eligible for scholarship assistance. The Miss America Organization is the leading provider of scholarships for young women in the world. Each year, the organization makes available more than $40 million in cash and tuition scholarship assistance.

I won a scholarship in the Miss Capital Area Program... how do I request my scholarship funds?
Use the Uniform Scholarship Request Form, which is available by clicking here: Download Request Form. Note: This form will require a pdf reader.

I have not been competing for very long, do I have a chance of becoming Miss Capital Area?
Yes. Most titleholders have not competed in pageant systems long before being awarded a local title and scholarship money. For example, Miss New Hampshire 2007, Rachel Barker, competed in only 3 locals before winning the title of Miss Seacoast, and became Miss New Hampshire on her first trip to Miss New Hampshire.

What are the competition categories?
Preliminary competition includes Talent; Personal Interview; Evening Wear; and Swimsuit. Click here for more information on the competition categories and judging system.

How do I request the current Miss Capital Area for an appearance?
To request an appearance by the current Miss Capital Area please email your letter of request to director@MissCapitalArea.org, or call Michele Hanson at 603-533-7535. Please include a contact name, phone number, fax number and the date you are requesting Miss Capital Area to appear.

I am interested in contacting a former Miss Capital Area. What is the suggested way to contact them?
Please email your correspondence to director@MissCapitalArea.org and indicate the Miss Capital Area you are trying to contact. When the correspondence is received by the Miss Capital Area Organization it will be forwarded to the Miss Capital it is addressed to, if her current address is available.

How can I become a volunteer?
The Miss Capital Area Program is always looking for assistance. Opportunities are available for many different aspects of the program. Email us if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.