Last month, over 400 students from across New York City participated in the 25th anniversary of New York City History Day. This annual contest is hosted and organized by the Museum of the City of New York.
After months of researching their topics and crafting their performance, exhibit, documentary, website or essay, students in grades 6 through 12 shared their projects with the public. This year’s theme was “Leadership and Legacy in History,” so topics included such diverse subjects as Lucille Ball, George Balanchine, Frederick Douglass, and Baron Von Steuben.
Photo by Lissa River
Photo by Lissa River
Throughout the fall and winter, hundreds of these students visited the National Archives to find out how to find and use primary sources in their NHD projects. Many of these students did well on competition day. Over 1/3 of the students that finished in 1st, 2nd or 3rd place attended a workshop at the National Archives.
This year was extra special because the National Archives Foundation, through the support of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, funded awards and giveaways for participants. First place winners in every category received $250. A special category “Outstanding Use of Archival Sources” was created for both junior and senior divisions. Winners in that category received $250 as well. In addition, all competitors in NYC History Day received a t-shirt for their participation.
The next step for 1st and 2nd place winners is the New York State History Day competition in Cooperstown, NY at the end of this month.
Photo by Lissa River
For more photos of the competition and awards ceremony, visit the Museum of the City of New York’s Flickr Page. For more information about New York City History Day and for a list of all winners, visit MCNY’s New York City History Day page.
The National Archives’ History Day activities are made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation, through the support of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.