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IHS Issues Call for Volunteers to Judge Student History Contests
INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) is offering a front row seat as Hoosier students break barriers in history. IHS is looking for volunteers to serve as judges for the 2020 National History Day in Indiana (NHDI) contests, including the state contest, Saturday, April 25, at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center and the State of Indiana Government Center, both located in downtown Indianapolis.
NHDI is a yearlong program in which students in grades 4 through 12 pick a historical topic, research it and create a project in the form of a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance or website. This year’s theme is “Breaking Barriers in History.”
At regional contests, judges work in teams to interview students about their project, give feedback, and ultimately, rank winners. Regional winners advance to the state contest, where the top two entries from each junior and senior category become eligible to compete in June at the National Contest for National History Day (NHD).
No experience is necessary to serve as a judge. In fact, a variety of perspectives and backgrounds gives students a well-rounded experience, says Bethany Hrachovec, IHS director of Education and Engagement.
“By judging, you’re helping young people learn that their voices matter and that their hard work is recognized,” said Hrachovec. “The students get so much out of it, but I find that the judges get the most out of it, as they leave inspired by what Hoosier students are doing every day.”
Volunteer time commitment is approximately 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the day of the contest. Regional NHDI contests will take place in Fort Wayne (Feb. 15), Mishawaka (Feb. 22), Franklin (Feb. 29), Carmel (March 7), Evansville (March 13) and Hanover (March 14). In addition, IHS is seeking judges for the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) District Contest (March 18-19), which takes place at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in Indianapolis.
NHDI is presented by The Richard W. and Irene Rooker Family Foundation, with support from the Vigran Family Foundation. To register as a judge, visit the Volunteer Page on IHS’s website or call (317) 232-1882.
About the Indiana Historical Society
Since 1830, the Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s Storyteller™, connecting people to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing the state’s history. A private, nonprofit membership organization, IHS maintains the nation’s premier research library and archives on the history of Indiana and the Old Northwest and presents a unique set of visitor experiences called the Indiana Experience. IHS also provides support and assistance to local museums and historical groups; publishes books and periodicals; sponsors teacher workshops; produces and hosts art exhibitions, museum theater and outside performance groups; and provides youth, adult and family programs. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and a member of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, home of IHS and the Indiana Experience, is located at 450 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis.
