The National WWII Museum Teaches, Prepares, and Inspires Students with History

The National WWII Museum serves as the state sponsor for National History Day in Louisiana.  This academically proven program places students in the role of professional historians as they develop a research topic and browse archives, museums, and libraries looking for sources.  Museums, archives, and libraries lend their support to students participating in the program.  In fact, the Society of American Archivists recently developed a website to support archivists and students with the National History Day program.

Who Can Participate?

All students in Louisiana in grades 6-12, whether they are enrolled in a public, private, charter, or home school, can participate.  Students from all backgrounds have succeeded in this program and found inspiration through their topics.  Students choose their own historical topics, conduct research, and produce a project in one of five categories:

• Research Paper
• Exhibit
• Dramatic Performance
• Web Site
• Documentary

In March, 2012, these projects are brought to one of five regional locations throughout Louisiana and are evaluated by teams of three judges.  The top five entries from each regional advance to the State Contest held on April 21, 2012 at The National WWII Museum.  The top two entries from the State Contest advance to the National Contest held on the campus of the University of Maryland from June 10-14, 2011.  There, the projects are evaluated by judges from institutions such as the National Archives, the Smithsonian museums, and the many colleges and universities surrounding Washington, D.C.

The Museum supports students throughout the process, and can provide valuable insight for any student choosing to research a World War II topic.  All it takes to get started is a visit to Louisianahistoryday.org and an email to historyday@nationalww2museum.org.  Projects will be on display at the Museum during the Regional on March 24, 2012 and the State Contest on April 21, 2012.

This post by Louisiana History Day Coordinator Nathan Huegen.