Press Room
Connecticut Students Win Big At 2021 National History Day Contest
On June 19, 2021
LARGEST CONTINGENT OF CONNECTICUT STUDENTS EVER RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS AT NATIONAL HISTORY DAY® CONTEST
Hartford, Conn. – Twenty-one students from across Connecticut received awards at the 2021 National History Day® (NHD) Contest, Saturday, June 19, in a virtual ceremony, the highest number of awards ever for a Connecticut delegation to NHD.
Fifty-six students represented Connecticut at the virtual contest this year after advancing by placing in first or second place at the Connecticut State Contest last month. They joined close to 3,000 students from the U.S. and overseas to compete at the national level. Several thousand middle and high school students participated in the 2021 Connecticut History Day (CHD) program, one of 58 affiliate programs of National History Day.
“I’m so proud of Connecticut’s students for persevering through a really difficult year to do amazing research on creative topics,” stated State Coordinator Rebecca Taber. “The students’ hard work is reflected in Connecticut’s strong showing at the National Contest. Congratulations to the teachers and students!”
Inspired by the theme Communication in History: The Key to Understanding, high school and middle school students wrote papers, created exhibits, produced documentaries, designed websites and staged performances exploring topics ranging from Prudence Crandall to the Beatles to the creation of the telegraph.
The following students were awarded prizes for placing in the top three in their project category:
Four Connecticut students received Special Prizes from organizations and individuals for exceptional projects in specific areas of history:
Other Top 10 Finalists from Connecticut include:
Connecticut History Day, coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House, is one of 58 affiliate programs of NHD. CHD promotes the study of history in schools to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.
Connecticut History Day is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities and support from the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit historydayct.org.
The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) provides people with a lifetime pathway to active citizenship and the tools to take civic action in their own communities. CTDC strengthens civic engagement in the Constitution State by providing comprehensive and unbiased educational programming and outreach on state government, civics, history, and citizenship.
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On June 19, 2021
LARGEST CONTINGENT OF CONNECTICUT STUDENTS EVER RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS AT NATIONAL HISTORY DAY® CONTEST
Hartford, Conn. – Twenty-one students from across Connecticut received awards at the 2021 National History Day® (NHD) Contest, Saturday, June 19, in a virtual ceremony, the highest number of awards ever for a Connecticut delegation to NHD.
Fifty-six students represented Connecticut at the virtual contest this year after advancing by placing in first or second place at the Connecticut State Contest last month. They joined close to 3,000 students from the U.S. and overseas to compete at the national level. Several thousand middle and high school students participated in the 2021 Connecticut History Day (CHD) program, one of 58 affiliate programs of National History Day.
“I’m so proud of Connecticut’s students for persevering through a really difficult year to do amazing research on creative topics,” stated State Coordinator Rebecca Taber. “The students’ hard work is reflected in Connecticut’s strong showing at the National Contest. Congratulations to the teachers and students!”
Inspired by the theme Communication in History: The Key to Understanding, high school and middle school students wrote papers, created exhibits, produced documentaries, designed websites and staged performances exploring topics ranging from Prudence Crandall to the Beatles to the creation of the telegraph.
The following students were awarded prizes for placing in the top three in their project category:
- 1st Place, Junior Individual Documentary: Claire Flynn, Sedgwick Middle School, West Hartford – Clearing the Air: How John Hersey Communicated Hiroshima Survivors’ Stories to the World and Changed the Global Perspective on Nuclear Weapons.
- 3rd place, Senior Individual Exhibit: Zachary Brody, Staples High School, Westport – Blowing Smoke: Unmasking the Persuasive Communication Techniques of Cigarette Advertising in the 20th Century: a Key to Understanding the Emergence of Regulations
- 3rd place, Senior Group Website: KeQing Tan and Sneha Maskey, Wilbur Cross High School, New Haven – Communicating through Code: Elizabeth Friedman’s Crackdown on Nazi Spy Rings during World War II.
Four Connecticut students received Special Prizes from organizations and individuals for exceptional projects in specific areas of history:
- Rebecca Bemiss, JFK Middle School, Enfield: The Captain Ken Coskey Naval History Prize, Junior Individual Performance – Mavis Batey and the Geese That Never Cackled.
- Marlon Coon and Young In Kim, Wilbur Cross High School, New Haven: The White House History Award, Senior Group Documentary – The Camp David Accords: How Jimmy Carter Negotiated Peace Between Two Warring Middle Eastern Countries.
- June Lanpher and Maya Harpaz-Levy, Worthington Hooker Middle School, New Haven: Junior Division, Outstanding Connecticut Award – The Reindeer Express. The team also finished in 4th place in Junior Group Documentary.
- Jeffrey Pogue, Staples High School, Westport: Senior Division, Outstanding Connecticut Award – Thomas Paine, the Most Influential Man in America: A Key to Understanding Revolutionary Communication. Jeffrey also finished in 4th place in Senior Individual Performance.
Other Top 10 Finalists from Connecticut include:
- 5th place, Senior Group Performance: Julia Healey-Parera, Lauren Levine, Mateu Healey-Parera and Sarah Levine, E.O. Smith High School, Mansfield – McCarthy and the Jackal Pack: How the Media Exposed America’s Most Infamous Senator.
- 5th place, Junior Papers: Sophia Caneira, Mansfield Middle School – Letters for Understanding: Communication during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- 5th place, Senior Individual Performance: Iniya Raya, South Windsor High School – Near v. Minnesota: How One Man’s Communication of “Malicious, Scandalous and Defamatory” News Was the Key to Understanding Freedom of the Press.
- 6th place, Junior Papers: Manxi Han, Worthington Hooker School, New Haven – Objective Journalism vs. Patriotic Narrative How (Mis)Information Was Communicated to the American Public during the Tet Offensive of 1968.
- 6th place, Senior Individual Exhibit: Hannah Fiarman, Staples High School, Westport – The Freedom Rides: Communicating Injustices in Interstate Travel for a Key understanding of Crucial Change.
- 9th place, Senior Group Performance: Clarissa Halpryn of Rockville High School and John Margelony, Arts at the Capitol Theater Magnet School, Willimantic – Ted Sorensen: The Letter That Saved the World.
- 10th place, Senior Group Exhibits: Michael Nealon and William Jin, Staples High School, Westport – America’s Key to Understanding: How Uncle Tom’s Cabin Communicated Abolitionist Ideals and Changed the Minds of Millions.
Connecticut History Day, coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House, is one of 58 affiliate programs of NHD. CHD promotes the study of history in schools to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.
Connecticut History Day is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities and support from the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit historydayct.org.
The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) provides people with a lifetime pathway to active citizenship and the tools to take civic action in their own communities. CTDC strengthens civic engagement in the Constitution State by providing comprehensive and unbiased educational programming and outreach on state government, civics, history, and citizenship.
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Connecticut History Day Bus Tour Spreads Excitement Across The State For National Contest
On June 17, 2021
Hartford, Conn. – Connecticut History Day staff and volunteers set out across the state earlier this month to recognize students for their outstanding achievement in the 2021 Connecticut History Day Contest and share excitement for the students who will be competing in the National History Day Contest this weekend. The bus tour visited schools in Farmington, Moodus, New Haven, Norwalk, Norwich, South Windsor, and Westport.
At each stop along the bus tour, students who placed in first, second, and third place in the 2021 State Contest we presented medals, and students who advanced to the National Contest received lawn signs to display their achievement at home.
Watch a video of the CHD Bus Tour HERE.
On the bus tour, CHD staff also recognized two teachers who were nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award from National History Day for their roles in leading their schools the program. Karen Cook, a teacher at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, was nominated for the award in the Senior Divison, and Salwa Collings, a teacher at Madina Academy in Windsor, was nominated in the Junior Division.
Fifty-six middle and high-school students are set to represent Connecticut at the National History Day Contest this Saturday, June 19, along with almost 3,000 students from across the United States and territories, and from programs in China, Korea, and South Asia, who advanced through the gauntlet of school, regional, state, and affiliate contests to reach the national stage.
Connecticut History Day, coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House, is one of 58 affiliate programs of NHD. CHD promotes the study of history in schools to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.
Connecticut History Day is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities and support from the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit histordayct.org.
The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) provides people with a lifetime pathway to active citizenship and the tools to take civic action in their own communities. CTDC strengthens civic engagement in the Constitution State by providing comprehensive and unbiased educational programming and outreach on state government, civics, history, and citizenship.
###
On June 17, 2021
Hartford, Conn. – Connecticut History Day staff and volunteers set out across the state earlier this month to recognize students for their outstanding achievement in the 2021 Connecticut History Day Contest and share excitement for the students who will be competing in the National History Day Contest this weekend. The bus tour visited schools in Farmington, Moodus, New Haven, Norwalk, Norwich, South Windsor, and Westport.
At each stop along the bus tour, students who placed in first, second, and third place in the 2021 State Contest we presented medals, and students who advanced to the National Contest received lawn signs to display their achievement at home.
Watch a video of the CHD Bus Tour HERE.
On the bus tour, CHD staff also recognized two teachers who were nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award from National History Day for their roles in leading their schools the program. Karen Cook, a teacher at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, was nominated for the award in the Senior Divison, and Salwa Collings, a teacher at Madina Academy in Windsor, was nominated in the Junior Division.
Fifty-six middle and high-school students are set to represent Connecticut at the National History Day Contest this Saturday, June 19, along with almost 3,000 students from across the United States and territories, and from programs in China, Korea, and South Asia, who advanced through the gauntlet of school, regional, state, and affiliate contests to reach the national stage.
Connecticut History Day, coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House, is one of 58 affiliate programs of NHD. CHD promotes the study of history in schools to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.
Connecticut History Day is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities and support from the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit histordayct.org.
The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) provides people with a lifetime pathway to active citizenship and the tools to take civic action in their own communities. CTDC strengthens civic engagement in the Constitution State by providing comprehensive and unbiased educational programming and outreach on state government, civics, history, and citizenship.
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Connecticut History Day Bus Tour Hits The Road
On June 2, 2021
Hartford, Conn. – All aboard for the Connecticut History Day Bus Tour! Connecticut History Day staff and volunteers are hitting the road on Thursday, June 3, and Friday, June 4 to recognize students for their outstanding achievement in the 2021 Connecticut History Day Contest and share excitement for the students who will be competing in the National History Day Contest later this month. They will be visiting 7 Connecticut schools.
At each stop along the bus tour, CHD will be presenting medals to students who placed in first, second, and third place in the 2021 State Contest, and lawn signs to students who advanced to the National Contest so they can share their pride.
CHD staff will also be recognizing two teachers who have been nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award from National History Day for their roles in leading their schools the program.
Karen Cook, a teacher at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, was nominated for the award in the Senior Divison, and Salwa Collings, a teacher at Madina Academy in Windsor, was nominated in the Junior Division.
“The Connecticut History Day team is so excited to get out on the road and visit some of our schools,” said Rebecca Taber, Head of Connecticut History Day at The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. “This year has been tough for everyone, and our teachers and students deserve extra recognition for their efforts. We can’t wait to see them and share the excitement in advance of National History Day.”
Thursday, June 3:
Connecticut History Day, coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House, is one of 58 affiliate programs of NHD. CHD promotes the study of history in schools to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.
Connecticut History Day is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities and support from the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit histordayct.org.
The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) provides people with a lifetime pathway to active citizenship and the tools to take civic action in their own communities. CTDC strengthens civic engagement in the Constitution State by providing comprehensive and unbiased educational programming and outreach on state government, civics, history, and citizenship.
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On June 2, 2021
Hartford, Conn. – All aboard for the Connecticut History Day Bus Tour! Connecticut History Day staff and volunteers are hitting the road on Thursday, June 3, and Friday, June 4 to recognize students for their outstanding achievement in the 2021 Connecticut History Day Contest and share excitement for the students who will be competing in the National History Day Contest later this month. They will be visiting 7 Connecticut schools.
At each stop along the bus tour, CHD will be presenting medals to students who placed in first, second, and third place in the 2021 State Contest, and lawn signs to students who advanced to the National Contest so they can share their pride.
CHD staff will also be recognizing two teachers who have been nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award from National History Day for their roles in leading their schools the program.
Karen Cook, a teacher at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, was nominated for the award in the Senior Divison, and Salwa Collings, a teacher at Madina Academy in Windsor, was nominated in the Junior Division.
“The Connecticut History Day team is so excited to get out on the road and visit some of our schools,” said Rebecca Taber, Head of Connecticut History Day at The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. “This year has been tough for everyone, and our teachers and students deserve extra recognition for their efforts. We can’t wait to see them and share the excitement in advance of National History Day.”
Thursday, June 3:
- Irving A. Robbins Middle School, Farmington – 8:25-8:55 am
- Staples High School, Westport – 10-10:30 am
- Ponus Ridge Middle School, Norwalk – 11-11:45 am
- Wilbur Cross High School, New Haven – 8:30-9 am
- Norwich Free Academy, Norwich, CT – 10-10:30 am
- Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School, Moodus, CT – 11-11:30 am
- Timothy Edwards Middle School, South Windsor– 3:15-4 pm
Connecticut History Day, coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House, is one of 58 affiliate programs of NHD. CHD promotes the study of history in schools to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.
Connecticut History Day is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities and support from the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit histordayct.org.
The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) provides people with a lifetime pathway to active citizenship and the tools to take civic action in their own communities. CTDC strengthens civic engagement in the Constitution State by providing comprehensive and unbiased educational programming and outreach on state government, civics, history, and citizenship.
###
Connecticut Students Advance To National History Day Contest
On May 4, 2021
Connecticut – 356 students from 56 schools across the state competed in this weekend’s Connecticut History Day (CHD) State Contest. The judging has been completed and the results are in!
A total of 60 students have moved on to represent Connecticut at the National History Day (NHD) competition after winning regional and statewide contests earlier this spring and placing in first or second place in the CHD State Contest. They will join students from across the United States and overseas for the week-long virtual competition next month for the chance to win prestigious prizes, including college scholarships.
A complete list of winners, their schools, and their topics can be seen online at historydayct.org/contest-winners.
“Congratulations to each of the 356 students who participated in the State Contest, and their teachers,” said Rebecca Taber-Conover, Head of Connecticut History Day at The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. “These students created amazing projects and our judges enjoyed reviewing their work. We have an outstanding delegation to represent Connecticut at the National Contest this year!”
Connecticut History Day (CHD) is the year-long academic program for middle and high-school students that includes a series of regional contests leading up to a state contest and the opportunity to advance to the national contest. The program is one of 58 affiliates of National History Day.
Inspired by the 2021 national theme Communication in History: The Key to Understanding, student participants conducted research and turned their findings into documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances, or websites to share what they’ve learned on topics ranging from The Establishment Of The American School For The Deaf to Was Communication to Blame for the Tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials? Many students chose Connecticut-focused topics.
111 volunteer judges evaluated the projects to determine which students’ projects will advance to the National History Day Contest.
29 students also won Special Prizes, sponsored by state and local organizations such as the Connecticut League of History Organizations, The Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity and Transnational Migration at Yale, The Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, The Washington Library at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and many more.
Connecticut History Day is coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. An affiliate program of National History Day, CHD promotes the study of history in schools – including public, private, and home schools – to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members who participate. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.
CHD conforms to the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies Connecticut State Standards and Connecticut’s new Social Studies Frameworks.
CHD is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities. Program support is given by the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit the program’s website at histordayct.org.
###
On May 4, 2021
Connecticut – 356 students from 56 schools across the state competed in this weekend’s Connecticut History Day (CHD) State Contest. The judging has been completed and the results are in!
A total of 60 students have moved on to represent Connecticut at the National History Day (NHD) competition after winning regional and statewide contests earlier this spring and placing in first or second place in the CHD State Contest. They will join students from across the United States and overseas for the week-long virtual competition next month for the chance to win prestigious prizes, including college scholarships.
A complete list of winners, their schools, and their topics can be seen online at historydayct.org/contest-winners.
“Congratulations to each of the 356 students who participated in the State Contest, and their teachers,” said Rebecca Taber-Conover, Head of Connecticut History Day at The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. “These students created amazing projects and our judges enjoyed reviewing their work. We have an outstanding delegation to represent Connecticut at the National Contest this year!”
Connecticut History Day (CHD) is the year-long academic program for middle and high-school students that includes a series of regional contests leading up to a state contest and the opportunity to advance to the national contest. The program is one of 58 affiliates of National History Day.
Inspired by the 2021 national theme Communication in History: The Key to Understanding, student participants conducted research and turned their findings into documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances, or websites to share what they’ve learned on topics ranging from The Establishment Of The American School For The Deaf to Was Communication to Blame for the Tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials? Many students chose Connecticut-focused topics.
111 volunteer judges evaluated the projects to determine which students’ projects will advance to the National History Day Contest.
29 students also won Special Prizes, sponsored by state and local organizations such as the Connecticut League of History Organizations, The Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity and Transnational Migration at Yale, The Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, The Washington Library at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and many more.
Connecticut History Day is coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. An affiliate program of National History Day, CHD promotes the study of history in schools – including public, private, and home schools – to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members who participate. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.
CHD conforms to the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies Connecticut State Standards and Connecticut’s new Social Studies Frameworks.
CHD is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities. Program support is given by the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit the program’s website at histordayct.org.
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Two Connecticut Teachers Nominated For National Awards
May 3, 2021
Hartford, Conn. – Two Connecticut teachers have been nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award from National History Day (NHD), for their roles in leading their schools in Connecticut History Day (CHD).
Karen Cook, a teacher at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, was nominated for the award in the Senior Divison, and Salwa Collings, a teacher at Madina Academy in Windsor, was nominated in the Junior Division. Nominees’ work must clearly illustrate the development and use of creative teaching methods that engage students in history, and help them make exciting discoveries about the past. They will each receive $500 and are in the running for $10,000.
“The nominees for the Behring Award have shown a dedication to teaching that goes beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Cathy Gorn, National History Day Executive Director. “These educators are leading examples for their peers and invaluable resources for their students.”
Each NHD affiliate may nominate teachers who demonstrate a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest. Cook and Collings are the 2021 nominees from Connecticut.
“We are excited to nominate these dedicated educators for special recognition” stated State Coordinator, Rebecca Taber-Conover.
Connecticut History Day, coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House, is one of 58 affiliate programs of NHD. CHD promotes the study of history in schools to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.
The award is sponsored by Patricia Behring in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students. The winner will be selected by a committee of teachers and historians and announced Saturday, June 19, at the virtual NHD Contest Awards Ceremony.
The CHD State Contest is ongoing. Student projects and content are available on the Connecticut History Day website: historydayct.org/regionalcontestday.html
Results from the CHD State Contest will be announced virtually, 5 p.m. Monday, May 3.
Connecticut History Day is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities and support from the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit histordayct.org.
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May 3, 2021
Hartford, Conn. – Two Connecticut teachers have been nominated for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year award from National History Day (NHD), for their roles in leading their schools in Connecticut History Day (CHD).
Karen Cook, a teacher at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, was nominated for the award in the Senior Divison, and Salwa Collings, a teacher at Madina Academy in Windsor, was nominated in the Junior Division. Nominees’ work must clearly illustrate the development and use of creative teaching methods that engage students in history, and help them make exciting discoveries about the past. They will each receive $500 and are in the running for $10,000.
“The nominees for the Behring Award have shown a dedication to teaching that goes beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Cathy Gorn, National History Day Executive Director. “These educators are leading examples for their peers and invaluable resources for their students.”
Each NHD affiliate may nominate teachers who demonstrate a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest. Cook and Collings are the 2021 nominees from Connecticut.
“We are excited to nominate these dedicated educators for special recognition” stated State Coordinator, Rebecca Taber-Conover.
Connecticut History Day, coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House, is one of 58 affiliate programs of NHD. CHD promotes the study of history in schools to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.
The award is sponsored by Patricia Behring in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students. The winner will be selected by a committee of teachers and historians and announced Saturday, June 19, at the virtual NHD Contest Awards Ceremony.
The CHD State Contest is ongoing. Student projects and content are available on the Connecticut History Day website: historydayct.org/regionalcontestday.html
Results from the CHD State Contest will be announced virtually, 5 p.m. Monday, May 3.
Connecticut History Day is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities and support from the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit histordayct.org.
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Connecticut History Day Honored With Award Of Merit From Connecticut League Of History Organizations
On April 19, 2021
Hartford, Conn. – Connecticut History Day, a program of The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House, has been honored with a 2021 Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of History Organizations (CLHO), for its success in coordinating the virtual State Contest during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Connecticut History Day (CHD) is a year-long educational program, coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC), during which students from across Connecticut conduct research, interview historians, develop arguments based on original analyses, and then create documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances, or websites designed to share what they’ve learned. Volunteer judges assess the projects at the regional and state level, determining which students advance to the National History Day Contest where thousands of students compete for prizes.
The CTDC was halfway through the usual, in person, Regional Contests, when the state began closing down due to COVID-19. CHD staff quickly changed course moving the in person contests to virtual contests to ensure students still had the opportunity to share their projects maintaining the integrity of the program.
In the award letter from CLHO, Executive Director Amrys O. Williams recognized the efforts of the CTDC. “The center deserves not only an award, but also our thanks for successfully shifting to a virtual format with little warning,” she wrote. “Students were allowed to share their work, the competition was completed fairly, and a sense of normality was preserved, which was especially important in 2020, when students were cut off from friends and so many academic activities.
”We are so grateful to CLHO for this award,” said Nicole Sousa, Hartford Regional Coordinator and Assistant State Coordinator for Connecticut History Day. “It was a challenge to maintain a sense of normalcy for Connecticut’s students during the height of the pandemic. To be able to provide them with a History Day Contest despite the challenges was extremely important to us. Thank you to CLHO for recognizing the time, energy, and work that went into this monumental project.”
The State Contest, held in May, was completely virtual and featured the work of 448 students from across the state and 146 volunteer judges from around the country.
“Like so many others, the pandemic caused us to have to pivot last year and run the State Contest as a virtual Contest,” added Rebecca Taber-Conover, Head of Connecticut History Day at The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. “We were incredibly impressed with the quality of work that Connecticut students produced during a year of unprecedented challenges. They are a true inspiration.”
According to the Connecticut League of History Organizations, Awards of Merit are presented to institutions and individuals who “demonstrate the highest of professional standards, and who enhance and further the understanding of Connecticut history. The purpose of the Awards of Merit is to recognize the care, thought and effort invested in these contributions and to inspire and encourage others by acknowledging exceptional contributions to state and local history. The mere fulfillment of routine functions does not justify an award. Action over and above the ordinary call of duty is prerequisite for an Award of Merit.”
The challenge in 2020 was finding a way to make virtual contests as rewarding as “normal” contests, where thousands of Connecticut students come together for lively competitions. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, CHD students rose to the challenge and persevered to do great historical research and create creative and thoughtful projects.
Connecticut History Day is coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. An affiliate program of National History Day, CHD promotes the study of history in schools – including public, private, and home schools – to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members who participate. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.
CHD conforms to the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies Connecticut State Standards and Connecticut’s new Social Studies Frameworks.
CHD is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities. Program support is given by the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit the program’s website at histordayct.org.
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On April 19, 2021
Hartford, Conn. – Connecticut History Day, a program of The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House, has been honored with a 2021 Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of History Organizations (CLHO), for its success in coordinating the virtual State Contest during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Connecticut History Day (CHD) is a year-long educational program, coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC), during which students from across Connecticut conduct research, interview historians, develop arguments based on original analyses, and then create documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances, or websites designed to share what they’ve learned. Volunteer judges assess the projects at the regional and state level, determining which students advance to the National History Day Contest where thousands of students compete for prizes.
The CTDC was halfway through the usual, in person, Regional Contests, when the state began closing down due to COVID-19. CHD staff quickly changed course moving the in person contests to virtual contests to ensure students still had the opportunity to share their projects maintaining the integrity of the program.
In the award letter from CLHO, Executive Director Amrys O. Williams recognized the efforts of the CTDC. “The center deserves not only an award, but also our thanks for successfully shifting to a virtual format with little warning,” she wrote. “Students were allowed to share their work, the competition was completed fairly, and a sense of normality was preserved, which was especially important in 2020, when students were cut off from friends and so many academic activities.
”We are so grateful to CLHO for this award,” said Nicole Sousa, Hartford Regional Coordinator and Assistant State Coordinator for Connecticut History Day. “It was a challenge to maintain a sense of normalcy for Connecticut’s students during the height of the pandemic. To be able to provide them with a History Day Contest despite the challenges was extremely important to us. Thank you to CLHO for recognizing the time, energy, and work that went into this monumental project.”
The State Contest, held in May, was completely virtual and featured the work of 448 students from across the state and 146 volunteer judges from around the country.
“Like so many others, the pandemic caused us to have to pivot last year and run the State Contest as a virtual Contest,” added Rebecca Taber-Conover, Head of Connecticut History Day at The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. “We were incredibly impressed with the quality of work that Connecticut students produced during a year of unprecedented challenges. They are a true inspiration.”
According to the Connecticut League of History Organizations, Awards of Merit are presented to institutions and individuals who “demonstrate the highest of professional standards, and who enhance and further the understanding of Connecticut history. The purpose of the Awards of Merit is to recognize the care, thought and effort invested in these contributions and to inspire and encourage others by acknowledging exceptional contributions to state and local history. The mere fulfillment of routine functions does not justify an award. Action over and above the ordinary call of duty is prerequisite for an Award of Merit.”
The challenge in 2020 was finding a way to make virtual contests as rewarding as “normal” contests, where thousands of Connecticut students come together for lively competitions. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, CHD students rose to the challenge and persevered to do great historical research and create creative and thoughtful projects.
Connecticut History Day is coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. An affiliate program of National History Day, CHD promotes the study of history in schools – including public, private, and home schools – to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members who participate. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.
CHD conforms to the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies Connecticut State Standards and Connecticut’s new Social Studies Frameworks.
CHD is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities. Program support is given by the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit the program’s website at histordayct.org.
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