National History DayNational History Day

About the Program

National History Day is not just one day, but a yearlong education program that makes history come alive through educator professional development and active student learning.

Kansas History DayKansas History Day is affiliated with the National History Day program, and is administered by the Kansas Historical Society with generous support from the Kansas Council for the Social Studies, and Washburn University.

What is History Day?

History Day is actually a year-long, interactive learning opportunity for students in grades six through twelve. This national history education program offers teachers practical models for integrating history standards in the classroom.

Taking a Stand in HistoryIn preparing for local or regional history fairs, students are able to explore a topic which interests them. They research, often using historical materials and documents, and then analyze the information they find, in light of an over-arching historical theme or question. Guided by a teacher-mentor, students have the chance to express what they have learned in a variety of creative ways, as individuals or in groups. Through original dramatic performances, student-produced documentaries, research papers, or three-dimensional exhibits, students develop key life skills and an appreciation for their place in history.

History Day competition

A part of the National History Day program, formal competition in Kansas begins at the district level. The state is divided into nine districts, each hosting its own regional competition for students living in the counties within its district. Student entries are evaluated by judges who are professional historians, educators, or experienced in other ways with the History Day program. Following district competition, the first- and second-place entrants in each category are eligible to compete at the state competition in Abilene, Kansas. Students who place first and second at the Kansas History Day competition proceed to the National History Day contest in College Park, Maryland.

Who can participate?

All students in grades six through twelve, enrolled in a Kansas school or home-schooled, may prepare History Day projects for entry in district competition throughout the state. Students in grades six through eight compete in a Junior Division, while students in grades nine through twelve compete in a Senior Division.

Kansas History DayTo enter the state competition, students must place first or second at their district contest.

Why participate?

Teachers and students alike tell us that preparing for History Day equips young people with valuable skills they will use the rest of their lives:

  • Thinking critically
  • Learning cooperatively
  • Mastering research skills to discover answers to questions that interest them
  • Meeting a variety of professionals in interdisciplinary settings, from historians, educators and library archivists to historical participants with a unique story to tell
  • Preparing for interviews with judges and other public speaking experiences
  • Gaining expert knowledge in historical subjects
  • Discovering, analyzing and interpreting a variety of sources
  • Developing confidence as they express what they learn in an original way
  • See Kansas medalists at past National History Days

Future themes

2007 Triumph and Tragedy in History
2008 The Individual in History

Classroom preparation

In preparation for local or district History Days, students select a topic that relates to this year's broad theme. The Kansas Historical Society website offers some ideas for focused topics relating to this theme, or teachers are encouraged to brainstorm ideas with their classes. Students then research their topic thoroughly, searching out primary and secondary sources. As students research, they interpret the material and develop one of seven possible History Day projects: Individual or Group Performance, Individual or Group Documentary, Individual or Group Exhibit, or Historic Paper.

Once their projects are completed, students are ready to share their findings with a larger audience. Some schools showcase this work at a school or local History Fair. Other mentors prepare their students to enter a district History Day competition.

Student entrants are eligible for scholarships, awards, prizes and special recognition.

Registering for History Day

Contact your district or Kansas History Day co-coordinators. Your district coordinator can give you specific information about your regional competition and assist with completing and submitting entry forms for each student entry. The Kansas state co-coordinators can answer questions about rules governing the competition at all levels and supply you with materials.

Who can participate?

All students in grades six through twelve, enrolled in a Kansas school or home-schooled, may prepare History Day projects for entry in district competition throughout the state. Students in grades six through eight compete in a Junior Division, while students in grades nine through twelve compete in a Senior Division.

To enter the state competition, students must place first or second at their district contest.

History Day competition

A part of the National History Day program, formal competition in Kansas begins at the district level. The state is divided into nine districts, each hosting its own regional competition for students living in the counties within its district. Student entries are evaluated by judges who are professional historians, educators, or experienced in other ways with the History Day program. Following district competition, the first- and second-place entrants in each category are eligible to compete at the state competition in Abilene, Kansas. Students who place first and second at the Kansas History Day competition proceed to the National History Day contest in College Park, Maryland.

  • See Kansas medalists at past National History Day contests

  • Kansas History Day Co-coordinators

    Karen Ridder, 785-272-8681, ext. 438;
    Letha Johnson, 785-272-8681, ext. 306, historyday@kshs.org.

     
     
    Related Links
    Kansas History Day
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    What is History Day?
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    Who can participate?
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    Why participate?
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    History Day PowerPoint
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    History Day Timeline PowerPoint
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    Contest Themes
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    Classroom Preparation
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    Competition
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    Registering
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    Deadlines
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    State districts
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    Past winners


    Kansas Historical Society
     
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    Kansas Historical Society
    Kansas Historical Society