What is History Day? New York City History Day is the regional competition of the National History Day program. Through this months-long academic program, hundreds of middle- and high-school students from the city’s public, parochial, and private schools undertake creative history research projects in response to an annual theme. Utilizing primary sources, students discover and interpret historical topics, and learn to express themselves through projects in various media and formats, including: exhibit boards, documentaries, websites, papers, and performances. The Museum supports teachers and students throughout the year with free workshops and curriculum materials, and their efforts culminate in a contest day, which we will host on Sunday, March 6, 2016.
What would you do? This year, students will present projects based on the theme, Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History. Judges work in small groups to interview students and to provide them with constructive feedback. Projects are evaluated primarily for their relation to the theme, historical content, and original analysis. Because not all students will receive a prize, the time they spend with a judge is invaluable so they can receive recognition and feedback. We invite volunteers from local educational and research institutions to participate—university professors, educators, museum curators, and archivists. We’d be delighted if you would take part! Judging will be on March 6th with an orientation followed by student interviews. Once you have agreed to participate, specific information about March 6th will be sent to you.
What are the benefits? History Day students outperform their non-History Day peers on state standardized tests in multiple subjects, including reading, science and math, as well as social studies. History Day students are better writers, who write with a purpose and real voice, and marshal solid evidence to support their point of view. History Day has a positive impact among students whose interest in academic subjects may wane in high school. The History Day methodology also supports Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects in meaningful way. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to get students from across NYC excited about history! We will provide breakfast, lunch, and plenty of coffee.
Over the years, the Museum has dramatically increased New York City History Day participation from a modest 32 students in 1991 to more than 1,900 students who now participate at the school level. Thanks, in part, to the quality feedback of our volunteer judges, many New York City students have gone on to distinction at the state and national competition; last year 66 students were selected to move on to New York State History Day, where 29 participants won special awards.

To accept this invitation by February 1^st please complete the History Day Judge Registration Online Form[ny.nhd.org]. The form can be found by indicating “Judge” when prompted to “choose the registrant type that best describes you.” You may also contact me or Stephanie Dueño, at sdueno@mcny.org, with any questions.  And if you have colleagues you’d like to invite, please share this email with them.