“Preserving the Past, Enriching the Future”

Idaho students partaking in National History Day not only learn about democracy first-hand, but they also earn scholarship money and put their scholastic abilities to the test.

National History Day (NHD) goes beyond a single-day contest. It furthers the future of democracy, which relies on a public that is inspired, thoughtful and informed. On April 10, National History Day, Idaho youths will have their research projects on display at the College of Idaho, where judges will analyze the students’ work and the general public can enjoy the displays. That same day, more than $35,000 of scholarship money will be awarded to Idaho students and approximately 50 students will be selected to represent the state at the national NHD competition.

“National History Day gives students a variety of ways to learn. In addition to preparing a research project, the students also improve their communication skills, critical thinking skills, their sense of responsibility and confidence,” said Janet Gallimore, executive director of the Idaho State Historical Society. “It’s an honor to award these scholarships and encourage the students, especially those who move on to partake in the national competition.”

The scholarships that are given to top placing students make Idaho’s participation in NHD unique by ensuring that the winners can further their education in college. The College of Idaho presents three scholarships for the event. The Herodotus Award is a $20,000 scholarship given to the top student while the second place student receives the Thucydides Award for $10,000, and the third place student receives the Xenophon Award for $5,000.

Each year, more than half a million students participate in National History Day (NHD). Supported by their teachers, the students choose historical topics related to a designated theme and conduct extensive research through libraries, archives, museums, oral history interviews and historic sites. After analyzing and interpreting their sources and drawing conclusions about their topics’ significance in history, students create a presentation in the form of an original paper, website, exhibit, performance or documentary.

All of the NHD projects are entered into competitions at local, regional, state and national levels. Historians, educators, industry professionals and others who have a deep interest in history then evaluate them to judge the winners. The program culminates in a national competition each June at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD.

The Idaho State Historical Society sponsors National History Day in Idaho. Hundreds of Idaho’s best and brightest students in fourth through twelfth grade participate in Idaho’s National History Day annually. The public is encouraged to view and share these remarkable history projects at one of the six regional competitions, or at the Idaho State History Day Competition on April 10 at the College of Idaho. The projects will be on display from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and admission is free.

For more information, you may contact Karen Grindle at 208-334-2120 x 19 or Jesse Murphy of Red Sky Public Relations at 208-287-2199.

About the Idaho State Historical Society:
The ISHS is a state government agency with a goal of protecting the cultural heritage of Idaho by preserving historic and prehistoric resources and providing access to documents, artifacts, sites, and information of historic significance for the benefit and appreciation of the public. Dedicated to serving its statewide community, the agency carries out its mission through education programs, technical assistance, development of publications and exhibits, and by encouraging local, state and regional entities to preserve history. Learn more about ISHS at www.idahohistory.net.