What is National History Day

National History Day in South Carolina is an exciting educational program that encourages students to study history and expand their knowledge. At all levels of competition students have the opportunity to meet participants from other schools, exchange ideas, and demonstrate the results of their work. A student's success in researching and producing a National History Day entry may even take him or her to the national contest held each June at the University of Maryland at College Park

Entries at each division are judged separately at all levels of competition from district to state to national finals. National History Day in South Carolina provides students with an opportunity to research original materials and express what they have learned through creative and original dramatic performances, media documentaries, research papers, or exhibits.

Students, working individually or in groups, will learn how to use primary sources in their research, document their sources in an annotated bibliography, analyze and interpret information, and present their research and conclusions in a concise and creative manner. Successful entries show a clear relation to the annual theme and understanding of the historical significance of the chosen topic.

National History Day in South Carolina is part of the National History Day network. The program in South Carolina begins at the school level and then, for grades 6 thorough 12, progresses to six regional contests across the state. The first, second and third place entrants at the regional level advance to the state finals. Students who place first or second at the state competition proceed to the national finals. (To see dates and locations of the district contests) The state finals will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2007 at the South Carolina History Center, and the national contest will be on June 10-14 at the University of Maryland, College Park.

What should I do next? 
Read "How Do I Get Started?" to learn more. Follow the links on the left for Tips and Strategies. Teacher presentations can be scheduled at your school.

For more information, contact :

Joel Walker
South Carolina Department of Archives and History
8301 Parklane Rd
Columbia, SC 29223
803.896.6212
walker@scdah.state.sc.us

Or:

Robin Copp
South Caroliniana Library
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
803.777.1345
rcopp@gwm.sc.edu