"It's not just a day; it's an experience!"

What is Michigan History Day?

• MHD is an annual academic competition for students in grades 4 through 12
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• Kids compete in district competitions from February to mid-March. State finals are held in April.
   
• The Michigan Historical Center hosts the district competition for District 9 (central Michigan counties).
   
• MHD is designed to encourage students to explore historical subjects related to a broad annual theme determined by the National History Day organization. The 2011-2012 theme is Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.
   
• The experience can kindle an appreciation of the past by bringing history to life.

Students…

• Can compete as individuals or in groups of two to five students.
   
• Will learn the techniques of the professional historian and will gain skills they will use the rest of their lives.
   
• Develop communication skills.
   
• Build self confidence.
   
• Gain expert knowledge in historical subjects.
   
• Can express what they have learned through creative and original dramatic performances, documentaries, research papers or exhibits.
   
• Will meet students from other schools, exchange ideas and demonstrate the results of their work at district, state and national competitions.
   
• Can win awards and the opportunity to participate in the National History Day finals at the University of Maryland (grades 6 through 12).

Resources:

• National History Day
  The official national competition web site.
   
• Historical Society of Michigan
  Regional coordinator names and contact information, important competition dates and more.
   
• Archives of Michigan
  Photographs, primary documents and other research resources.
   
• Library of Michigan
  Newspapers, books and other research resources.

Contact the Michigan Historical Center.

Updated 06/09/2011