UMaine to host Maine National History Day April 9
For the third year in a row, the University of Maine will host hundreds of students and teachers from around the state as they participate in the Maine National History Day competition on Saturday, April 9.
About 325 students and teachers from 35 middle and high schools are expected to take part in the event.
Maine National History Day is a partnership between UMaine and the Margaret Chase Smith Library, with support from the Maine Humanities Council and the Maine Historical Society.
National History Day (NHD) is an academic program that began in 1980 to promote critical thinking, research and presentation skills through project-based learning for students of all abilities in grades 6–12. More than half a million students, working with thousand of teachers, participate in the national contest annually.
Student exhibits, papers, websites, documentaries and performances will be judged from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at several locations on campus including the Page Farm and Home Museum, Wells Conference Center, Stevens Hall and Fogler Library. All exhibits are open to the public. This year’s theme is “Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History.”
A history scavenger hunt also will take place for participants throughout the day.
An awards ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in Wells Conference Center. Awards will be given in several categories, and the top state winners will be eligible to compete in the national contest in Washington, D.C. in June.
Online student registration is open until March 19. Judges also are needed and are encouraged to register. Student registration information is on the UMaine website.
A public recognition ceremony for the state NHD participants will be held 4–5 p.m. April 12 in Augusta’s Cultural Building atrium in partnership with the Maine State Museum, Archives and Library. Guests are invited to celebrate NHD students and view their work during a light reception. Robert “Bob” Patrick, director of the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress, will speak at the event. NHD students, parents and teachers will receive free all-day admission to the Maine State Museum.
The NHD recognition ceremony will be followed by the fourth annual Maine Humanities Summit from 5:45–8 p.m. at the Senator Inn in Augusta. More information about the summit is online.
For questions or to request a disability accommodation, contact John Taylor, NHD state coordinator, at 474.7133 or john.m.taylor@maine.edu. More information on Maine NHD is online.