Middle and high school students earning top prize at CT History Day competition now headed to Nationals

Photo courtesy of Dominique Monarca, Brian Ambrose Photography

(Hartford, CT) – On May 4^th The Connecticut Democracy Center hosted 434 middle and high school students from across the state for the 2024 Connecticut History Day competition at Central Connecticut State University. Students from 63 schools entered 261 research projects in hopes of representing Connecticut in the National History Day Contest at the University of Maryland in June. The State Contest is a culmination of months of hard work by students as they conducted historical research related to this year’s theme of Turning Points in History. Students who participated in the State Contest previously won contests at one of the five regional contests held earlier this spring.

Students participate in Connecticut History Day in a variety of ways: in classroom instruction, after-school clubs, as part of an enrichment program, or as an independent project. They are permitted to explore any type of history, from local to international and can work individually or in groups on topics of their own choosing. Students must present projects in one of five categories – exhibits, documentaries, websites, papers, or performances and learn how to identify primary sources, conduct research, and write an historical argument and thesis statement. As they develop their projects students receive guidance from local teachers who also help prepare them to present their findings to volunteer judges. “The hard work and diligence of Connecticut students never ceases to amaze me,“ says Rebecca Taber Director of Secondary Education Programs for The Connecticut Democracy Center. “What I love most about Connecticut History Day is watching students develop a passion for research while utilizing critical thinking skills to put what they learn into historical context.”

The state contest results can be found on the Connecticut History Day website at historydayct.org or by clicking here. The top two prize winners in each category have earned coveted spots to represent Connecticut in the National History Day competition. Third place finishers will serve as alternates. Additionally, twenty Special Prizes related to specific topics including World History, Connecticut History, Social Justice, Jewish History, American Legal History and American Colonial History, were awarded. These prizes are sponsored by local organizations.

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Connecticut History Day is an affiliate program of National History Day (NHD). CHD annually engages thousands of middle and high school students in historical research, interpretation, and creative expression through project-based learning. The program seeks to bring students, teachers, museums, and scholars together to support young people as they engage in history. Led by the Connecticut Democracy Center, CHD is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities.

POSTED
May 20, 2024

Contact: Barbara Dell, Marketing Manager
barbara.dell@ctdemocracycenter.org
(860) 978-2314