NJ History Day-Participation Needed!

NJ History Day information

It's not just a day...it's an experience! is the motto for History Day, an opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to develop research and critical thinking skills by creating projects based on historical topics. Great skills we’d like to see in our future students!

History Day keeps growing. Volunteer judges are needed for our two regional competitions, Saturday, March 21st at Seton Hall University, and Saturday, March 28th at Rider University, as well as for the state competition at William Paterson University on Saturday, May 2nd. Contests typically begin at 8:15am for orientation and conclude around 4:00pm. A continental breakfast and lunch is provided for judges.

Students in grades 6-8 compete in the Junior Division, students in grades 9-12 compete in the Senior Division. Working with this year's theme of "The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies" students develop either an exhibit, documentary, performance, website, or paper on an historical topic of their choice. They may work individually, or with a group. Winners from the regional contests go on to the State competition (May 2nd), and winners from the State competition go on to the National competition in Maryland (June 14-18).

Judges Needed, Volunteer!

Since each year more schools and students compete, the need for judges keeps growing. You do not need to be an historian to judge! The judging teams are usually made up of three people: an historian, an educator, and perhaps a specialist in the type of project, e.g. performance. This is a great opportunity to encourage students to develop strong research skills using primary resources, as well as effective oral, written and visual communication skills.

Training sessions for judges are scheduled on Friday, February 20 at Seton Hall (4:30-6:30 p.m.) and Rider (4-6 p.m.).

When e-mailing or calling, please indicate your name, contact information, which contest (Seton Hall, Rider and/or William Paterson), and which category (Exhibits, Performances, Documentaries, Websites) you would like to judge. Category requests will be honored when possible.

If you are interested and would like to learn more, contact either Margaret Renn (973-720-3978) or Nancy Norris-Bauer (973-720-3131), both at NJHISTORYDAY@wpunj.edu, or take a look at the NJ History Day website, http://nj.nhd.org/index.htm