Prairie State Wire

Illinois History Day is set to take place on April 24 at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield. The event invites students from across Illinois to create history projects, including exhibits, websites, documentaries, performances, and research papers on topics of their choice. This program encourages students in grades 6 through 12 to explore Illinois history and culture by researching primary and secondary source materials. Students who advance from regional competitions can compete at the state contest, with top winners moving on to National History Day from June 9-13 at the University of Maryland.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of National History Day, this year's theme is "Turning Points in History." It encourages students to consider questions related to time and place, cause and effect, change over time, as well as impact and significance.

Jenn Edginton, interim director of the Illinois State Museum, stated: "National History Day in Illinois is such an important program for middle and high school learners to gain skills and confidence in the history and humanity fields. This program aims to inspire the next generation of future historians."

Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the success of Illinois History Day. Assistance is needed on the day of the event for tasks such as wayfinding, greeting participants, and post-event teardown. Additionally, volunteer judges are required both remotely during the week leading up to the competition and in-person on event day for judging categories and interviews. While a history degree or background is not necessary for volunteer judges, organizers prefer individuals familiar with college-level research methods.

Those interested in volunteering should reach out to Lauren Gleason at 217-720-7509 or DNR.IllinoisHistoryDay@illinois.gov.

The origins of Illinois History Day date back to 1947 with its initial publication titled "Illinois Junior Historian," later renamed "Illinois History." It was sponsored at various times by organizations like the Illinois State Historical Society and others. The first history day fair was held in 1963.