National History Day’s Normandy Institute Honors Sacrifice

Museum partner National History Day has announced year two of Normandy:  Sacrifice for Freedom, an immersive two-week long institute that brings 15 teachers and 15 students onto the beaches of Normandy to appreciate and understand the sacrifices of the World War II generation.  The institute begins in Washington, D.C. with lectures by leading WWII scholars, a study of WWII monuments in Washington, D.C., and research in the National Archives.  Students will select a soldier from their state who is buried at the American Cemetery in Normandy and research that soldier’s life.  The institute culminates in a day of remembrance with the students laying a wreath at the cemetery in honor of their chosen soldier.

Who Can Apply

Teachers of students in grades 10 or 11 who have participated in National History Day or are participating in National History Day for the first time this year are encouraged to apply.  Fifteen teachers will be selected by the National History Day committee.  Each of the selected teachers will select one student to participate in the institute.  The teacher must commit to making two presentations at school, state, or national conferences.

Selection Criteria

• Teacher’s resume including full name, work title and institution; the applicant’s home and work addresses and phone numbers; and a work and home e-mail address.
• An essay explaining the applicants’ interest in the institute, stating the applicants’ philosophy of teaching, including how students are engaged in historical research in the classroom now and confirming the applicants’ willingness to make the two required presentations and other school based assignments. The presentations can be school-based, state or national.
• A letter of support from the applicant’s supervisor that attests to employment status in 2011-12 and agrees to the applicant’s making two presentations at workshops or conferences.
• A letter of introduction by the teacher of the selected student – who the student is academically and why this particular student was chosen to be the team member.

For information on participating in Louisiana History Day, sponsored by The National WWII Museum visit http://louisianahistoryday.org. 

For questions concerning the Normandy:  Sacrifice for Freedom Institute, visit http://nhd.org.

This post by Louisiana History Day Coordinator Nathan Huegen.