Looking for an opportunity to help New York City middle and high school students get excited about history? The Museum of the City of New York is seeking volunteer judges for the 30th Annual New York City History Day, a 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 this year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers in History.” Using primary resources, students discover and interpret historical topics, and learn to express themselves through projects in various formats, including exhibit boards, documentaries, websites, papers, and performances. Check out this short video for scenes from a past History Day: https://vimeo.com/286915416/88d1e5ed3a.

As a judge, you would work in small groups—we do our best to pair new and old judges together—to interview students and to provide 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 Projects are evaluated primarily for their relation to the theme, historical content, and original analysis.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 that they can receive recognition and feedback. Judges’ knowledge and expertise are a key part of making the program a success.

NYC History Day will take place on Sunday, March 1, 2020. If you’re interested joining us as a judge in March, please fill out this interest form: https://mcnygroups.wufoo.com/forms/2020-nyc-history-day-judge-interest-form/. For more information, visit https://www.mcny.org/historyday. If you have any questions, email nychistoryday@mcny.org. We can’t do it without you!

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