How to Participate in National History Day

My kids had no idea about how to participate in National History Day. In middle school, after all, history is just another subject and one that often involves a heavy textbook. But because there was a National History Day Club operating in their school and because they all had at least a marginal interest in history, they each wandered in and got involved in the club on a weekly basis. What they learned as individuals and what we learned together as a family was considerable.

National History Day is a nation wide competition that is held each year for students throughout the United States. At the beginning of each competition year participating schools receive information outlining the theme for the year's competition, the dates for regional, state and national competitions and the types of entries that will be accepted for judging. Students then work on individual or group entries under the direction of a faculty adviser.

The theme each year sets the tone for the kinds of projects students will investigate and develop. For example this year's theme is "Innovation in History: Impact and Change". Other past themes have centered on conflict, compromise, rights and responsibilities. With the help of faculty, students begin to research smaller topics which fit within the context of the announced theme. Topics can involve local, state, national or even international historical concepts.

Among the many lessons learned by young participants in National History Day is the importance of organization and research. Students need to determine what kind of entry they wish to create. Students are welcomed to produce a researched paper, presentation, exhibit, website or documentary. Once students review the theme, settle on a topic and decide how they wish to present on the topic then the real work begins.

My children learned wonderful research skills through participating in National History Day because each entry stood or fell to a very large degree on the type and depth of research applied to the theme. Students are asked to go way beyond a simple text book entry in giving background and verification for their work. They are encouraged to go directly to primary written and oral sources. One of my kids ended up talking to a scientist in California ( from our home in New England) to expand upon what she already knew on a topic.

On a pre-set deadline, students gather together regionally to place their work in competition by age groups to be judged often by College professors or other history professionals. What an amazing opportunity for young people to explain and defend the work they have produced to people not only knowledgeable but also excited about the work being done in the National History Day competition.

Every year in which our kids participated the head judge would indicate in conclusion that it was time to announce those who had won in each of the judging categories, but that in his estimate every participant was already a winner because of their dedication to task. And how right all we parents believed him to be. At the end of the day each regional competition forwards the names of 2 winners in each of the competition categories to the state National History Day chairman. State competitions are held during the following month. At the state level competition is noticeably stronger and winning at the state level is a wonderful achievement for any young scholar. Besides being the best in the state you are now invited to participate in the National History Day Competition which is held each year at the University of Maryland.

Each year National History Day finals are held in June, in 2010 from June 13-17 . The experience is overwhelming for students, teachers and parents. There are participants present from all over the nation. Students are housed in college dorms and competition goes on in college meeting areas. It's the big time !
Winners are selected and monetary prizes, medals and certificates are awarded.

At first it is a little disappointing for parents to see how little recognition students get for successfully pursuing academic competitions like National History Day. There are no cheerleaders, no marching bands, no pep rallies for these competitors. What parents eventually come to understand is that most students don't really mind. They are enthralled with the chance to meet and share with other like minded students from across the nation, doing what they have come to love. Thank you National History Day.

Sources: www.nationalhistoryday.org