National History Day

Important Dates and Information

Call for Judges and Volunteers

The West Baton Rouge Museum is the host site for the Greater Baton Rouge Regional History Day Contest. This year’s competition will take place on Thursday, February 16, 2023. Junior high and high school students from 12 parishes are invited and encouraged to compete for special prizes, and a chance to move on to the state contest at the National World war II Museum in April.

Every year we rely on the help of volunteers and judges to put on this huge event. At least 50 volunteers are needed to serve as judges for this year’s competition. Judges serve on teams on 2 and 3. We are looking for college students, professionals, or retirees who are interested in history and education, and will be comfortable interviewing students about their projects. 

Registration for competitors and judges opens Thursday, December 1st, 2022.  For more information or questions about National History Day or volunteering please email Amanda Moak, the West Baton Rouge Museum NHD Coordinator or contact the Museum. 

National History Day Logo

What is National History Day?

National History Day is an academic national history fair that allows middle and high school students to develop papers, documentaries, exhibitions, performances, and websites for participation in regional, state, and national contests. Every year, millions of students present their unique research and gain valuable educational and personal experience. Winners of the State Fair travel to Washington D.C. for the National Competition. 

Every year, projects fall under the National History Day theme, it changes from year to year. The theme works as a series of guidelines to help students narrow down the scope of their projects. However, it is general enough to allow students to pick from a wide range of possible topics. 

Regional Host

The West Baton Rouge Museum is host to the Baton Rouge Area Regional competition. Students from 12 Parishes are invited to create and present projects in 1 of 5 categories. 

  • Exhibit
  • Research Paper
  • Documentary 
  • Website
  • Performance

Winners in each category will advance to the Louisiana State History Day Competition at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Winners from the state competition will have the opportunity to compete in the National History Day Competition in Washington D.C. 

Resources

What is National History Day?
How to do Historical Research?
Annotated Bibliography and Process Paper
Categories and Sample Projects
Project and Presentation

To sign up or to find out more information click here.

National History Day Logo

Regional Greater Baton Rouge Fair 2022 Rankings

Thank you to all of our participants and volunteers for working to make 2022 National History Day happen! Rankings are divided below.