Contest Rules
Capital Region History Day follows all National History Day rules and regulations.
Please visit www.nhd.org to download the contest rule book.
About This Contest
National History Day methodology supports teachers and schools through aligning curriculum and instructional priorities with State and National Learning Standards.
National History Day was awarded the prestigious 2011 National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony on February 13, 2012. National Humanities Medals honor achievements in history, literature, education, and cultural policy. Dr. Cathy Gorn, NHD Executive Director, accepted the award on behalf of the NHD staff, board, and honorary advisory council, marking the first time that a K-12 education program received this distinction. The citation for National History Day was for "being a program that inspires in American students a passion for history. Each year more than half a million children from across the country compete in this event, conducting research and producing websites, papers, performances, and documentaries to tell the human story."
National History Day was awarded the J. Franklin Jameson Archival Advocacy Award by the Society of American Archivists, which honors an individual, institution, or organization that promotes greater public awareness, appreciation, or support of archival activities or programs. The individual's or institution's contributions may take the form of advocacy, publicity, legislation, financial support, or a similar action that fosters archival work. Contributions should have broad, long-term impact at the regional level or beyond. Up to three awards may be given each year. The Society of American Archivists is North America's oldest and largest national archival professional association.
About the New York State Museum
Mission:
The New York State Museum serves the lifelong educational needs of New Yorkers and visitors through its collections, exhibitions, scholarship programs, media and publications in science, history, anthropology, and art. The Museum explores and expresses New York State's significant natural and cultural diversity, past and present.
About Us
The New York State Museum is a center of art, science, and history dedicated to exploring the human and natural history of the state. Established in 1836, it is the oldest and largest state museum in the country. From its beginning, the Museum has been home to some of the nation's leading scientists, including the founders of American paleontology, ethnology, botany, and mycology. Its collections rank among the finest in many fields and total more than 16 million scientific specimens and one million cultural objects.
Located at the southern end of the unique architecture of the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY, the New York State Museum welcomes visitors from across the globe and thousands of students each year. Its 100,000 square feet of exhibition space features iconic permanent exhibits and rotating temporary exhibitions. The Museum also offers a variety of educational public programs for learners of all ages.
The New York State Museum is a program of The University of the State of New York, The State Education Department, and the Office of Cultural Education.
Capital Region History Day Contest Details
Please check back for more information...
Judge Criteria
Historical Quality
Historical Accuracy
Historical Context
Analysis & Interpretation
Use of Primary Sources
Wide Research
Balanced Research
Relation to Theme
Clearly relates to theme
Demonstrates significance of topic in history
Draws conclusions
Clarity of Presentation
Presentation, written materials are original, clear, appropriate, organized, and articulate
Entry is organized
Visual impact is appropriate to topic