Contact: Crystal Johnson, (515) 281-6860
Tami Foster, (515) 281-5020

DES MOINES, Iowa - National History Day in Iowa will kickoff March 12 with district events for students in grades 6-12. This year's theme is "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History."

The district events will be held in 15 districts across the state. The dates are as follows:

AEA14, Lamoni: March 12

AEA 7, Cedar Falls: March 14

AEA 5, Storm Lake: March 14

AEA 15, Ottumwa: March 15

AEA 6, Marshalltown: March 16

AEA 13, Shenandoah: March 16

AEA 1, Elkader: March 16

AEA 3 (senior division), Emmetsburg: March 22

AEA 12, Sioux City: March 23

AEA 4, Sioux Center: March 23

AEA 11, Des Moines: March 27

AEA 3 (junior division), Estherville: March 25

AEA 2, Mason City: April 6

AEA 9/16, Davenport: April 6

Those who qualify in both the junior division (grades 6-8) and the senior division (grades 9-12) will advance to the state event, held April 29 (junior division) and May 6 (senior division) at the State Historical Building in Des Moines. From there, 14 entries in each division will be chosen to attend National History Day, June 9-13 in College Park, Md.

National History Day gives students the opportunity to research, analyze and present information on historical topics and learn how to defend their ideas during the judging process. Students may write papers, construct exhibits, conduct performances or produce documentaries on any subject relating to the overall theme. Historians, educators and others interested in history and education serve as judges at the district, state and national levels. Approximately 3,800 students will participate in National History Day at the local level, with about 550 advancing to state.

"History Day gets students, teachers and community members excited about the past," said Crystal Johnson, state coordinator of National History Day in Iowa. "Students dig into their topics as they research, conduct interviews and analyze historical information. It's amazing what these kids can do when they are motivated."

The announcement and recognition of the national qualifiers and alternates will follow each division's event at the state level. There will also be certificates given to special award winners in each category.

The State Historical Building is located at 600 E. Locust in Des Moines. For more information on National History Day or for contact information on the NHD district representative, call Crystal Johnson at 515-281-6860.

###

Return to What's New Section