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South Region Indiana Students Advance to 2026 National History Day in Indiana State Contest
(Franklin, IND.) March 9, 2026 – The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) proudly announces that a group of students from Jennings and Lawrence counties have been selected to advance to the National History Day in Indiana (NHDI) State Contest after a successful regional contest on Saturday, March 7.
After presenting projects representing months of in-depth research and preparation, the top finalists listed below earned the opportunity to compete at the 2026 NHDI State Contest on April 18, 2026 at Marian University.
Junior Paper
“The Man that Molded Modern Architecture” – Carliegh Collins (Jennings County Middle School)
Junior Individual Documentary
“The “No” That Sparked Revolution” – Ava Seitzinger (Mitchell Jr High School)
Junior Individual Exhibit
“Prohibition Era” – Daphne Ritchie (Jennings County Middle School)
“Reactions to the Berlin Wall” – Emma Owsley (Jennings County Middle School)
Junior Group Exhibit
“Rosie the Riveter” – Madison Allen, Sydney Campbell (Jennings County Middle School)
“The French Revolution’s Antagonist: King Louis XVI” – Mason Foist, Savannah Arney (Jennings County Middle School)
“Underground Railroad” – Colt Bergmann, Daigen Martin, Lucian Barnhart, Ryan Ye (Mitchell Jr High School)
Senior Individual Documentary
“From Campus Protest to Courtroom Reform: The Revolutionary Impact of Hess V. Indiana” – Whitney Barber (Jennings County High School)
National History Day in Indiana is a yearlong academic program designed to strengthen history education for students in grades four through 12. Each year, participants select a historical topic connected to an annual theme and conduct extensive primary and secondary source research. The 2025–2026 theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History,” challenges students to explore how individuals, communities and governments have balanced freedoms and civic duties throughout history.
Students present their findings in one of five categories: documentary, exhibit, paper, performance or website. Advancement to the state contest requires qualification through one of four regional competitions held across Indiana.
“Seeing the level of curiosity and dedication these students bring to their projects is incredibly inspiring,” said Jody Blankenship, IHS CEO. “Events like the National History Day contest highlight how history education helps students strengthen research, storytelling and analytical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our communities.”
Through its project-based, inquiry-driven model, NHDI gives students ownership of their learning by guiding them to develop research questions, analyze evidence and present conclusions in creative and compelling ways. From classroom projects to regional and state competitions, the program builds critical thinking, analytical and presentation skills while fostering meaningful collaboration between students and educators.
For more information about National History Day in Indiana, visit www.indianahistory.org/historyday or call (317) 232-1882.
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About the Indiana Historical Society (IHS)
The Indiana Historical Society collects and preserves Indiana’s unique stories; brings Hoosiers together in remembering and sharing the past; and inspires a future grounded in our state’s uniting values and principles. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate.
