Spelling bees originated from communal work gatherings like husking bees. First known spelling bee appeared in print in 1850. Noah Webster's spelling books popularized contests in 1786. First national spelling bee held in Cleveland in 1908
First national spelling bee organized in 1925 by Kentucky newspaper. Competition started as spelling matches before becoming spelling bees. Name "spelling bee" officially created in 1875. Competition has been held annually since 1925 except during WWII