"It's not just a day; it's an experience!"

The Michigan Historical Museum supports and promotes Michigan History Day, sponsored annually by the Historical Society of Michigan.

District competitions are held from February to mid-March. The Michigan Historical Museum hosts the district competition for District 9 (central Michigan counties). State finals are held in April.

For more information, telephone David Bridgens of the Michigan Historical Museum at (517) 241-0594 or send e-mail to bridgensd@michigan.gov.

Michigan History Day is…

• An annual academic competition for students in grades 4 through 12. (State finalists in grades 6 through 12 are eligible to participate in the National History Day finals.
• An exciting way to study history and learn about issues, ideas, people and events that interest you.
• Designed to encourage students to explore historical subjects related to a broad annual theme. The 2008-2009 theme is The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies.
• A program that directly addresses the Michigan Framework for Social Studies Education content standards and the social science portion of MEAP.
• A way to kindle an appreciation of the past among today's students.
• A great way to bring history to life!

Students…

• Can compete as individuals or in groups of two to five students.
• Will learn the techniques of the professional historian and will gain skills they will use the rest of their lives.
• Develop communication skills.
• Build self confidence.
• Gain expert knowledge in historical subjects.
• Can express what they have learned through creative and original dramatic performances, documentaries, research papers or exhibits.
• Will meet students from other schools, exchange ideas and demonstrate the results of their work at district, state and national competitions.
• Can win awards and the opportunity to participate in the National History Day finals at the University of Maryland (grades 6 through 12).

Resources:

• National History Day
• Historical Society of Michigan
• Archives of Michigan
• Library of Michigan
• Local historical societies, museums and libraries
• Colleges and universities and their libraries

Updated 08/05/2008

Michigan Historical Center, Department of History, Arts and Libraries
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