Oklahoma National History Day contest, Oklahoma History Center

National History Day is more than an academic exercise for thousands of Oklahoma junior high and high school students; it is a tradition. On May 2–3, more than 500 6th through 12th grade students will present their exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites and papers at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City for the opportunity to advance to the National History Day contest held each summer at the University of Maryland at College Park. Due to the size of the event, there will be gallery closures on these days. Please call ahead to 405-522-0765 to ensure that exhibits are open for visitors.

Oklahoma National History Day is part of National History Day, a highly regarded academic program for 6th through 12th grade students with more than 700,000 students taking part annually. Students from across the state choose historical topics related to an annual theme and conduct extensive research at libraries, archives, museums and historic sites. Student scholars use their research to draw conclusions about their topics’ significance in history and present their work at regional and state contests in hopes of qualifying for the National History Day Contest each June at the University of Maryland at College Park. National History Day also provides educational services to students and teachers, including a summer internship program, curricular materials and Internet resources, and annual teacher workshops and training institutes.

State competitors were identified from a pool of contestants at regional contests throughout the state. First- and second-place winners at the state competition will advance to the National History Day contest, set for June 10–14. Prizes are awarded at all levels, including more than $150,000 in scholarships for national winners.