Indiana Historical Society Calls for Volunteers to Judge Student History Contests

Indiana Historical Society (IHS) is looking for 300 volunteers around the state of Indiana to serve as judges for the 2024 National History Day in Indiana (NHDI) contests. There is a particular need for judges in the Northwest (Mishawaka) and Central (Carmel) regions.

NHDI is a yearlong program dedicated to enhancing history education in Indiana’s schools. Students in grades four through 12 explore a historical subject that fits under the annual theme. This year’s theme is “Turning Points in History.” Students use their research to create a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance or website. To reach the 2024 NHDI State Contest, to be held at Marian University on April 20, students must qualify at one of six regional contests.

At the regional contests, judges work in teams to assess student projects, give feedback and rank winners. Regional finalists advance to the state contest on Saturday, April 20, at Marian University in Indianapolis. Then, 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). The 2024 National Contest will be held June 9-13, 2024, at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Judges don’t need a particular background in historical knowledge or skills. They just have to be willing to listen to students talk about their historical performances, documentaries, exhibits, papers and websites, and give them thoughtful and helpful feedback. As students advance from regional and state to national contests, judge feedback helps guide their research and project-creation process. All contests are scheduled to be held in person. Volunteer judges are needed from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on contest days — breakfast and lunch are provided. To register, please visit https://rb.gy/il3txm.

Regional NHDI contests will take place on the following dates and times:
• Northeast Regional Contest (Columbia City High School, Columbia City): February 17, 2024
• South Regional Contest (Franklin College, Franklin): February 24, 2024
• West Regional Contest (Indiana State University, Terre Haute): March 2, 2024
• IPS Regional Contest (Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis): March 6, 2024
• Northwest Regional Contest (John Young Middle School, Mishawaka): March 9, 2024
• Central Regional Contest (Carmel High School, Carmel): March 16, 2024

NHDI is a project-based, inquiry-based program which encourages students to explore their own passions by conducting research, developing research questions, and then exhibit their individual learning styles through the creation of exhibits, documentaries, performances, papers and websites.

Educators and students alike use NHDI because it allows them to build critical thinking, inquiry, analysis and presentation skills through subjects the students are passionate about. Whether students create mini projects in class or go all the way to regional and state contests, educators and students share in control of the project.

NHDI is presented by Indiana Constructors, Inc., with support from Rooker Family Foundation and Vigran Family Foundation and made possible through a grant from Indiana Humanities in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information, visit www.indianahistory.org/historyday or call (317) 232-1882.

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