​As we get closer to National History Day Contest in June, now seems like a great time to take  look back at the State History Day Contest that happened on April 28th at Central Connecticut State University. It was a beautiful day to celebrate the hard work of all of our student participants, teachers, volunteers, and staff!

Students, their families, and teachers were able to enjoy everything that CHD and CCSU had to offer on this gorgeous spring day. 

Students presented the projects that they have been working on for the majority of the school year. Below are some of the exhibits that were presented. Topics ranged from black women in the space program, World War I, extinction, and more. Connecticut students showed off their passion for their topics and their creativity across all categories at the State Contest. 

Over in Welte, Torp, and the Social Sciences building, junior and senior students shined in their performances. Students brought to life moments from history like the Cuban Missile Crisis, Don't Ask Don't Tell, the Pentagon Papers, a more. 

Students who wrote papers for their Connecticut History Projects talked passionately with judges and each other about their projects during the paper seminar. Senior writers (Group A pictured below) explored topics such as reform Judaism, civil rights, freedom of the press, national identity in war time, and current international conflicts. 

Students were able to explore CCSU during the day and participate in different activities around campus. A CHD Participant favorite were the food trucks and, of course, the Therapy Dogs! Connecticut History Day students were also interviewed about their experiences by Connecticut Public Affairs Network staff to talk about their experience in the program.

Of course, at the end of the day, students found out their final placing for the State Contest and learned who would be heading off to the National Contest at the University of Maryland in a few weeks. 

Congratulations to all who participated and good luck to those going on to Nationals. All of our students and teachers should be proud of their work and their students' work during the 2018 Connecticut History Day season!

​​With the regular Connecticut History Day season over, now is the time to focus on the National Contest coming up in June! First, congratulations to all who will be moving on to Washington D.C. to present their projects. Congratulations, as well, to all who participated in the Regional and State contests throughout the spring. No matter what your final results were, you should all be proud of your projects and accomplishments. 

Today, we’re focusing on how to prepare for the National Contest. First of all, if you are at all able to, attend the Going to Nationals Workshop that is being held Tuesday May 8, 2018 at Connecticut’s Old State House. Bring your project and we’ll give you feedback that can be used in improving your project for the National Contest. We will also discuss the various activities being held for the CT Delegation and help you prepare for the National Contest and have your bag of pins if you have not yet picked them up.
 
Important information about the National Contest:
 

• When: June 10-14, 2018
• Where: University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland
• Registration Deadline: 11:59PM EDT on Tuesday, May 15, 2018
• Registration Fee: Students- $150; Teachers $60

 
How to Register for the National Contest?
Deadline for registration is May 15 by 11:59 p.m. That date is also the deadline for papers and websites.  A copy of the NHD registration packet was emailed to both teachers and students. 
 
To register, go to nhd.org/register and then go to: https://national.nhd.org?f=d5be143c-9751-4e0e-8ee2-61e567f33d6c&stdReg=y&StudentRegPass=26fc1019-1150-42cd-8d8a-8fb2e195ce5f
​
 
Now that you’re going to the National Contest, you have a few things to do.

​Where are you going to stay?
 
Consider staying on campus during the contest. So why should you stay in a dorm?
 
Staying on campus and in a dorm gives you a few opportunities. First, it gives you the chance to meet other member of the Connecticut delegation and to make friends. It also gives you the chance to meet other History Day participants from around the country. Staying in the dorm is convenient and easy and is good practice for college.
 
We will be finding out the Connecticut dorm soon and will post that on Facebook.  The State Coordinator, Rebecca Taber-Conover, will be staying at the dorm and available to help you throughout the Contest. 

​What’s going on at Nationals?
 
​You are a winner simply by qualifying for the National Contest. Enjoy the whole experience!
 
A big part of the experience is judging. Judging is split into two days based on division. The first round of judging for Juniors (grades 6-8) will take place Monday, June 11th. First round of senior (grades 9-12) judging will take place Tuesday, June 12th.  Finalists will be announced for performances and documentaries at 7pm each day with the final round of judging happening Tuesday and Wednesday evening. Enjoy seeing what your fellow competitors have done and be an audience member!
 
Participate in NHD Explore.  You can register for tickets to area museums, including the Newsuem, the International Spy Museum, along with special programs and activities at the National Archives& Records Administration, and the National Gallery of Art. Tickets are available beginning on May 16 at  https://www.nhd.org/nhd-explore
 
We plan a number of activities for the CT delegation. We’ll have ice cream socials on both Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Please RSVP so we have enough! And on Wednesday, join us for a day in Washington D.C. We’ll tour the U.S. Capitol, meet Connecticut’s Senators, and get a behind the scenes visit in the Department of Maps at the Library of Congress. This trip is FREE though you do need to bring money for transportation and meals.
 
The CT Delegation attends some events as a group, including the Welcoming Ceremony that evening followed by a team meeting and group photo. We’ll hand out pins there as well!  Once judging is over, the Awards Ceremony will take place Thursday morning. The Connecticut delegation will enter together with their signs and banners to show some state pride. Make sure to wear your CHD shirt for the Parade of States!

Why should I go to Nationals?
 
Nationals are an amazing opportunity where you will join 3,000 other students from across the country, and world to present your project. After your months of hard work, you are finally at the end of this History Day season. Nationals is your chance to shine and share your work.
 
Make sure to bring your pins, because pin trading is a big activity at Nationals. It is also a great way to meet your fellow students.. While at Nationals, you will have the opportunity to make friends with students from all over the country.
 
Nationals is a special and exciting opportunity that no one should want to miss out on! 
 
For more information, check out the National Contest page on NHD.org.

Important Dates: 
Connecticut History Day Nationals Workshop, May 8th at Connecticut's Old State House 1:30-4:30pm
Nationals Registration Deadline: May 15th at 11:59pm
Paper and Website Submission Deadline: May 15th at 11:59pm
National History Day Contest: June 10-14, 2018
 
Important Links:
NHD Registration Information
About the National History Day Contest