The National History Day Mentoring Program at LaGrange College
National History Day actively engages students in middle and high school
in the historical process. Over the course of the school year, students select
a topic related to the year's theme. They engage in a program of research,
in both primary and secondary sources, designed to investigate their topic and
answer specific research questions. Their results are then presented through
one of a variety of categories including exhibits, papers, documentaries, websites
and performances. All entries, regardless of category include a written component,
known as the 'process paper' which discusses the reasoning behind the project,
the research process and the significance of the topic to the theme. Students
must also prepare and submit an annotated bibliography.
National History Day students study the past in an active and dynamic way, developing
skills that apply to all facets of their lives. They learn the value of deep
and critical reading. Students analyze evidence, interpret data, draw conclusions
and communicate them via written and oral means. It is a true learning experience:
students learn, students experience, students grow and students achieve in ways
even they thought unimaginable.
LaGrange College has co-hosted the West Georgia Regional NHD competition for decades.
In recent years, however, we have become increasingly aware of and sensitive to
the pressures and demands placed upon teachers and students which restrict the
amount of time and energy available to engage in deep, meaningful historical learning.
Our desire to help coalesced around National History Day. We decided, during
the 2008-2009 academic year to develop what is now called the National History
Day Mentoring Program. The program is multi-faceted and includes: teacher
workshops, student workshops, research support and assistance, an electronic query
) and forums via Twitter and
. Since 2012 we have been partners with the
Georgia Humanities Council
to offer educational outreach and NHD support service to the entire state of Georgia.
Regional Coordinators and Contests
The State of Georgia has 10 NHD Regions, each conducting its own contest.
The state contest is held on the campus of Mercer University. A full list
of regional coordinators and contest dates can be found
2015 Regional Contest Dates and Coordinator Information
Here is a Spanish version of the
2014-2015 Rule Book