Press Release
March 21, 2023
Contact: Sarah Dumas
Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-0785
sarah.dumas@history.ok.gov
www.okhistory.org/historyday
Regional History Day Competitions Underway
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahomans can support students across the state during the regional competitions for Oklahoma National History Day (OkNHD). This highly regarded academic program is student-driven and fosters critical thinking. The cross-curricular program meets Oklahoma standards for social studies and other subjects. There are seven regional competitions in Oklahoma. Each year thousands of Oklahoma students in grades 6-12 take part.
OkNHD is project-based learning that focuses on historical topics related to a theme. Students conduct extensive primary and secondary research through libraries, archives, museums and historic sites. After analyzing and interpreting their sources, students draw conclusions about their topic’s significance in history before presenting their work in original papers, exhibits, performances, websites and documentaries. Student projects are entered into competitions in the spring at regional, state and national contests, where professional historians and educators evaluate them. The state competition will be held at the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) on May 3 and 4. The national competition occurs at the University of Maryland at College Park from June 11-15. More than 750,000 students across the country participate every year.
“Oklahoma National History Day teaches students how to be curious about their world and the past through the lens of history,” said Sarah Dumas, director of learning and engagement and OkNHD state coordinator for the OHC. “OkNHD helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They also get practice with research, reading and more. Many students also build their self-esteem and confidence.”
Judges are still needed for regional and state competitions.
The Oklahoma History Center is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society and is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, National Archives and is an accredited member of the American Alliance of Museums. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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