Projects Covered Historical Events With Lessons for Today Including a Disputed Election and the Development of A New Vaccine
Nearly 70 Students Eligible to Advance to State Contest
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Brooklyn, NY—The Center for Brooklyn History at Brooklyn Public Library has announced the winners of the New York City History Contest. Top honors were awarded to 68 students who are now eligible for the New York State competition.
The winning projects covered a wide range of historical events, time periods, and people including Euclid, Noah Webster, Amelia Earhart, Nelly Bly and Marie Van Brittan Brown. Students studied history ranging from the devastation of the Black Death in the Middle Ages to the significance of the Stonewall Riots. They learned about the U.S. Constitution, the construction of the Williamsburg Bridge, the impact of Sputnik, and the lasting legacy of an ancient Greek mathematician.
“On behalf of the Center for Brooklyn History at Brooklyn Public Library, I extend my congratulations to all of the winners and participants in the New York City History Day Contest,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “This year’s cohort explored an incredible array of topics, from ancient Babylonian legal texts to the modern-day legacy of Barbie. As they worked in and out of the classroom to explore their intellectual interests, they gained valuable critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and research skills.”
Nearly 300 middle and high school students from 37 schools across the city participated, working individually or in groups. They completed 172 projects addressing the theme Turning Points in History. Projects fit into one of five categories: websites, papers, documentaries, performances, and exhibits.
In addition to learning about history, participants gain valuable critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and research skills.
Maesha Rahman is a student at the Academy of American Studies. She worked with her classmates on a project about the Tenement Housing Act. “We are New York City citizens ourselves and we live in apartment buildings, so we wanted to show the history of tenement homes and how they effected those who lived in them; and the significant efforts it took to enact change, and how that led to the evolution of the apartment budlings that exist today,” Rahman said.
A complete list of winners can be found here, including special awards for outstanding projects on New York City history, immigration, social activism, global events, women’s history and natural and historic landmarks.
The Center for Brooklyn History at Brooklyn Public Library was the host for New York City History Day. Hundreds of volunteers from cultural heritage institutions, libraries, businesses, and academic institutions served as judges.
The contest is the regional component of National History Day, a program that provides over half a million students each year the opportunity to learn about historical research and interpretation along with creative expression.
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 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 60,000 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.