Proud 2017 National History Day competitors, and their projects in Washington, DC.
National History Day seeks Volunteers and Judges for regional competitions
By Chris Isleib
Director of Public Affairs, United States World War One Centennial Commission
National History Day (NHD) is an exciting way for students to develop their civic literacy as well as study and learn about historical issues, ideas, people, and events at our locations around the country
The city-wide NHD contest in Washington, DC, is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10 (Junior Division – grades 6-8) and Thursday, April 11 (Senior Division – grades 9-12) at the National Archives Building in downtown Washington, DC.
Information on other regional competitions can be found here: https://www.nhd.org/search
The DC LE (Education and Public Programs Division) NHD team is recruiting judges and other volunteers for both days. Whether you have judged or volunteered before or you are receiving this invitation for first time, we hope that you will consider supporting this educational community event.
The NHD program promotes the study of history while providing a forum in which students compete for excellence in one of five categories: documentary, performance, exhibit, historical paper, or website.
Last year, over 300 DC students competed over the two days, and a similar number of students are anticipated this year. The students are busily working on their projects connected to this year's 2019 NHD theme: "Triumph and Tragedy in History". Prior to advancing to the DC NHD competition, the students’ projects will have been evaluated previously by teachers and by judges at their school competitions.
Winners from the city-wide competition will represent Washington, DC, at the NHD contest held at the University of Maryland in College Park in June.
Judges and volunteers are needed from approximately 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on April 10 and April 11 and during the afternoons to determine special prizes, organize the advancers from each category and each division, and organize the judging sheets for teachers.
Those who wish to do so may register to judge or volunteer at the website dc.nhd.org. Go to 'Create Account' to begin the registration process.
For judges, decide the category (paper, performance, documentary, exhibit, or website), the division (junior or senior) you prefer to judge and whether you are willing to be a team captain. Further information will be sent out to you once you have registered. For volunteers, please indicate which day you prefer to volunteer.
Every year, at the national-level competition, the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission sponsors two special prizes, for projects related to World War I themes. https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/4669-national-history-day-awards-national-prizes-for-wwi-themed-student-projects.html
National History Day (NHD) is a non-profit education organization based in College Park, Maryland. NHD offers year-long academic programs that engage over half a million middle- and high-school students around the world annually in conducting original research on historical topics of interest.
Since 1974, NHD has continuously improved history education by providing professional development opportunities and curriculum materials for educators.
The largest NHD program is the National History Day Contest that encourages more than half a million students around the world to conduct historical research on a topic of their choice. Students enter these projects at the local and affiliate levels, with top students advancing to the National Contest at the University of Maryland at College Park.
