Sarah Oltrogge, (515) 281-4011

Des Moines, Iowa—Iowa State University’s Parks Library & Special Collections in Ames walked away with the top Kids Count! Award for Outstanding Service to Youth Researchers today as part of the Celebrate Community History Awards ceremony at the State Historical Building.

The library was nominated by National History Day students and their teachers prior to the state events in April and early May. The award recognizes the best libraries, archives or museums for their outstanding service to youth researchers.

Many students commented on Parks Library’s archivists who allowed the students to look through boxes of historical documents in order to complete their projects. Ranging from ancient to modern sources, Parks Library proved to be an incredible asset to the National History Day students.

Certificates of Recognition were presented to the J. Raymond Chadwick Library at Iowa Wesleyan College, and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society in De Smet, S.D.

National History Day is a year-long program which uses history to challenge students in grades 6-12 to improve their research, analytical and communication skills. In groups or individually, students conduct research on topics related to a broad theme which changes annually. The theme for 2004 is “Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History.”

“We are so pleased to recognize institutions that make our students feel at home in their facility,” said Naomi Peuse, National History Day in Iowa coordinator. “These professionals are teaching and training our students in the field of research and playing a significant role in their historical understanding.”

The Kids Count! Award is sponsored by the State Historical Society, Inc. in Iowa City.

###

Return to What's New Section