One of the nation’s most successful programs to encourage
students to study history is the National History Day Project.
The National History Day mission states: The future of
democracy depends on an inspired, thoughtful and informed
citizenry. Historical understanding is crucial to that
process. National History Day teaches essential historical
literacy that motivates students to secure the future of
democracy.

Each year, more than half a million students, encouraged
by thousands of teachers nationwide participate in the NHD
contest. Students choose historical topics related to a theme
and conduct extensive primary and secondary research through
libraries, archives, museums, oral history interviews and
historic sites. After analyzing and interpreting their sources
and drawing conclusions about their topics’ significance in
history, students present their work in original papers,
exhibits, performances and documentaries. These products are
entered into competitions in the spring at local, state and
national levels where they are evaluated by professional
historians and educators. The program culminates in a national
competition each June held at the University of Maryland at
College Park.

In addition to discovering the exciting world of the
past, NHD also helps students develop the following attributes
that are critical for future success: critical thinking and
problem-solving skills; research and reading skills; oral and
written communication and presentation skills; self esteem and
confidence and a sense of responsibility for and involvement
in the democratic process.

The American Labor Studies Center (ALSC) sponsors a Gold
Medal special prize for $1000 for the best entry in the senior
division for the theme American Labor History. Beginning next
year, the American Federation of Teachers will sponsor a Gold
Medal prize for $1,000 for the best entry in the junior
division. The prize descriprion is This prize is for the
outstanding entry in the senior and junior division that
focuses on a facet of the history of the American labor
movement.

The 2009 winner was Mark Castera of Leawood, Kansas whose
paper was entitled Samuel Gompers: The New Face of Labor.

In addition to a national prize, each state conducts its
own contest. The ALSC will be encouraging state AFL-CIOs and
other interested groups to contact their state NHD director to
sponsor an American labor history prize in their respective
states.

For information on National History Day go to
www.nationalhistoryday.org.