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College to host History Day regional competitions

On Saturday March 17th and Monday March 19th, Saint Paul College will, for the third consecutive year, welcome hundreds of middle and high school students to campus to take part in History Day competitions.

History Day is a year-long national social studies enrichment program that promotes an applied-learning approach to the study of history. The program encourages students to work individually or in groups to investigate historical topics related to an annual theme - the 2007 theme is “Triumph and Tragedy in History.” Students then present their research in the form of papers, exhibits, performances, or documentaries at school, regional, state and national competitions.

In Minnesota the National History Day program is co-sponsored by the Minnesota Historical Society and the University of Minnesota - Department of History. Saint Paul College is collaborating with the Society and the University to host two of thirteen regional events held within the state. In addition to providing the facilities for the event, Saint Paul College students, staff and faculty will fill various roles associated with event administration and will assess student learning and achievement while serving as judges.

On Saturday March 17th, students from metro-area middle schools will present their work on campus. On Monday March 19, 6th through 12th grade students from the Saint Paul Public Schools will take part in their regional event on campus.

Both of the events at Saint Paul College will showcase award-winning work from school-level competitions throughout their respective regions. At the events, students will present their projects to judges who will provide critical feedback and select projects that will continue on to Minnesota State History Day. Award winners at the state event – held in May at the University of Minnesota – will represent Minnesota at National History Day this summer in College Park, Maryland.

History Day events are open to the public and Saint Paul College students, faculty and staff are encouraged to volunteer for the event or stop by to see for themselves that the future of the past is indeed in good hands!

Event coordinators are still looking for volunteer judges to help evaluate student work. Event staff will provide a complete orientation for volunteers on the day of the events, so no previous experience is necessary. If you are interested in serving as a judge for either or both of the events please contact Kurt Kortenhof at 651.846.1706 or kurt.kortenhof@saintpaul.edu.

Contributor: Sherry Schwartz