Oklahoma National History Day April 30, 2008

Click here to view the list of winners.

For students from 5th year of studies through completion of highschool.

The Oklahoma National History Day program deals with more than history. It deals with culture, heritage and community in a manner that is unique to the educational process. It combines the study of history with creative thinking, research skills, artistic expression, and a great deal more. Altogether, it is difficult to imagine a more comprehensive and challenging educational experience.

According to David Boren, former U.S. Senator and President of the University of Oklahoma, "Oklahoma National History Day is a reform approach to study in the secondary level in the United States. It stresses using history rather than memorization of facts."

As mandated reforms in Oklahoma are implemented, Oklahoma National History Day's importance in the schools will grow. Endorsed by both the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education, History Day is ideal for teachers focusing on what students can do, rather than on what they can remember. Currently, more than 5000 students in grades 6-12 participate.

Annually, National History Day provides a theme to which all entries must relate. After selecting a topic and category of entry, students conduct research and communicate their findings in the form of a paper, exhibit, performance, or documentary. Students compete at the district level with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place moving on to the State Contest at the Oklahoma History Center. State winners are eligible for the National Contest at the University of Maryland,College Park Campus, near Washington, D.C., held annually the second week in June. It would be difficult to devise a more effective manner of training the future leaders of our state and nation. History Day contributes to the development of basic citizenship skills. Participants learn to be problem solvers, to practice communication skills, and to analyze the past looking for answers to the all important "why" questions of history.

The History Day program is financed by grants from Oklahoma foundations, businesses, and individuals. Major contributors include the C.R. Anthony Foundation, Conoco, the Mark A. Everett Foundation, the Inasmuch Foundation, the Kirkpatrick Foundation, the Neustadt Charitable Foundation, the Pioneer Foundation, the Schusterman Family Foundation, the Williams Companies Foundations, and Zebco. The Oklahoma Historical Society is the primary sponsor. Twelve District Coordinators, and more than 1200 individuals across the state donating their time to judge and assist with the various contests. All equipment is borrowed from institutional sponsors. The entire budget for the statewide program is used to cover necessary contest expenses which are primarily awards for winners.

The value of Oklahoma National History Day is apparent when one observes the quality of student entries. It is also reflected in contestant and teacher comments. One student remarked, "History Day has changed my life." Indeed it had. It took that rural Oklahoma student to the capitals of both the state and the nation for the first time, opening new worlds in the process. Pat Britt, a Durant Middle School teacher, states, ". . . History Day is one of the best vehicles for learning I have ever seen. I have observed what it does for students, for their relationships with their families, for schools, and for communities." Another teacher, Carolyn Davis of Broken Bow, says, "History Day epitomizes excellence in teaching. It individualizes; it allows students to work independently; incorporates high-level critical thinking skills; teaches organization and assimilation of information; as well as offering a choice of methods for presenting that information."

Oklahoma National History Day personnel actively recruit qualified professionals to serve as judges at the district and state contests. Your expertise is essential to the success of the program. Your time will be well spent. As you know so well, changing lives and creating enhanced educational opportunities brings a reward that is lasting.

For more information contact:
Kelsey Arnold
Administrative Programs Officer
2401 North Laird Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4914
(405) 522-0692
Fax (405) 521-2492
karnold@okhistory.org