INFORMATION FOR
New Jersey National History Day, part of a very rigorous academic program in which middle and high school students compete for a spot in the national history contest, will be held at William Paterson University on Saturday, May 4.
William Paterson has been the sponsor of New Jersey National History Day since 1988, and this program will bring more than 450 students from 45 schools in 42 districts, their teachers and parents to campus. The event begins at 9:15 a.m. on campus and concludes with an awards ceremony at 4 p.m. in Shea Center.
This year’s theme is “Turning Points in History.” Students in grades six through twelve will be presenting primary research using various mediums including documentaries, performances, exhibits, websites, and papers. Judges are professors, historians, and educators from William Paterson and around the state.
The National History Day program encourages the study of social studies by guiding students to express themselves creatively through presentations of historical topics in various formats, celebrates and builds on the strengths of students as creative, capable learners, and interests students in learning about history by integrating the materials and methods of social studies, art, sciences, literature, language, and music into their presentations.
State qualifiers from regional contests held at Seton Hall, Rider and Princeton Universities will be competing to be national qualifiers and will represent New Jersey at the national contest at the University of Maryland held in June.For additional information, contact Phillip Sprayberry, media relations coordinator, at William Paterson, at 973-720-2965.
