History comes to life March 6 as Southeast Missouri State University hosts the regional National History Day (NHD) competition, welcoming high school students from across southeast Missouri for a day of presentations that emphasize creativity, critical thinking and a passion for history.
Students will present projects developed around this year’s topic, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.” The National History Day competition challenges high school students to research and present their findings as original documentaries, exhibits, performances, papers or websites. The competition includes both in-person and virtual categories, allowing students to compete individually or in groups across a variety of formats.
“It’s always exciting to invite students to campus for National History Day,” said Dr. Eric Bain-Selbo, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “This is a great opportunity for students to demonstrate their historical research, share meaningful stories that connect history to the present and experience SEMO’s hospitality and beautiful campus.”
Departments from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and across campus will host informational tables on the third floor of the University Center, giving students the chance to explore academic programs and connect with faculty. Admissions staff will lead a guided walking tour of campus, including a tour of Merick Residence Hall. SEMO’s historic preservation program will offer hands-on experiences such as artifact photography, paper conservation and evaluating historic building materials, while Kent Library will host an open house of the Rare Book Room.
SEMO faculty, staff and students will serve as judges, evaluating entries on historical accuracy, research, presentation and adherence to NHD guidelines. SEMO’s regional contest is recognized as one of the largest in Missouri and continues to grow each year. The first, second and third-place winners will qualify to represent southeast Missouri at the state competition in Columbia, Missouri, in April. The National History Day national competition will take place at the University of Maryland, College Park this June.
The competition takes place from 9:30 a.m.-noon in the University Center, and the award ceremony will follow at 1 p.m. in the Academic Hall Auditorium.
For more details on the National History Day contest and rules, visit nhd.org/en/contest.