Students in Grades 6 through 12 Eligible to Compete in Local and National Competition
BROOKLYN, NY—The Center for Brooklyn History at Brooklyn Public Library invites students in grades 6 through 12 to participate in New York City History Day (NYCHD), the regional contest for the annual, nationwide National History Day competition. The contest is part of the nation’s oldest history competition, engaging more than half a million students each year who conduct original research on historical topics. The theme for this year’s event is Communication in History: The Key to Understanding.
This year marks two firsts for the competition. In keeping with safety protocols related to COVID-19 the entire competition will be held virtually. In addition, the Center for Brooklyn History will host the competition for the first time, taking over from the Museum of the City of New York, who generously hosted NYCHD for 30 years.
“CBH is thrilled to host New York City History Day and ensure students in Brooklyn and all of New York City can continue to participate in this esteemed program,” said Heather Malin, Director of the Center for Brooklyn History. “It is truly a perfect fit for CBH and our award-winning education team and their engaging, rigorous approach to teaching history.”
Students in all five boroughs, grades 6 through 12, can participate whether enrolled in public, private, parochial or home schools. First- and second-place winners will advance to the New York State History Day contest. Prizes are awarded at all levels, including over $150,000 in scholarships for national winners.
Previous winners of the National History Day contest have written research papers and created short documentary films, performances, websites and exhibitions on an incredibly wide range of historical figures, events and places: from George Washington’s secret spy network; to the “real housewives” of the Lower East Side who protested the price of Kosher meat in 1902; to the South Korean students who fought for democracy in the Gwangju Uprising forty years ago.
Registration information, submission guidelines and a list of online research resources, can be found here. BPL will also host a free info session on Wednesday, December 2 at 4 p.m. for students and parents to learn more. Winners will be announced on March 26, 2021.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.