Heading to Nationals 2019

Team CT heads to the National History Day Contest at the University of Maryland in a little over a week. This is always one of my favorite times of year as at the National Contest I have the opportunity to get to know the Connecticut students, families, and teachers and to hear more about some of the amazing work that students have done. It's inspiring to be with these bright and articulate young people. 

Right after the State Contest, we held a "Going to Nationals" workshop and I was amazed at the breadth of topics. I read about an important Indian court case involving Shah Bano; viewed a performance about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire; watched a documentary about the 1992 Watts Truce that was enacted between two rival gangs following the L.A. riots, to name a few projects. 

Students at the "Going to Nationals" workshop reviewing one of the projects heading to Nationals.

Connecticut students (and their parents and teachers) should be incredibly proud of their hard work. At the State Contest, I heard many longtime judges and teachers express their belief that the quality of projects continues to increase every year. We are so grateful to the hundreds of teachers who support the program and work with the students. 

This year, thousands of middle and high school students across the state completed a History Day project related to the theme of Triumph & Tragedy in History. Whether or not a student received an award, every student was a winner just by going through the process of researching and creating a project. As a 2011 study on the impact of National History Day on students found, participants gain valuable skills that make them ready for their futures. 

Connecticut students do amazing things! We love to share some of the amazing experiences students have during History Day, such as meeting someone connected to their topic or visiting a historic site. We encourage you to contact us at rebecca.taber-conover@ctdemocracycenter.org and share your student's History Day experience. 

We encourage you to cheer on Team CT during the National Contest which takes place from June 9-13th. Follow us on the Connecticut History Day Facebook page and watch the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 13th. Look for more information on how to watch via social media!