UW-Stevens Point hosts National History Day March 14
For the City Times
STEVENS POINT — More than 250 middle and high school students will compete in the central Wisconsin region’s National History Day event Thursday, March 14. The free event is open to the public.
“We’re excited to host the National History Day competition, as we’ve done for the last 25 years,” said Lee Willis, professor and chair of the UW-Stevens Point Department of History and International Studies. “It’s a pleasure to see enthusiasm for history and help students consider careers, from teaching to public policy.”
Students from 11 schools in a region stretching from Oshkosh to Rhinelander to Neillsville will participate. They have the opportunity to choose a topic, research and present it in a creative way, from developing exhibits, websites and performances to recording documentaries. This is one of eight regional competitions, sponsored by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Winners go on to state competition in April, and some – like D.C. Everest in 2018 – compete nationally.
This year’s theme is “Triumph and Tragedy in History.” Among topics students have researched for their projects are Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, Challenger space shuttle, Triangle Shirtwaist fire, 9/11, Bosnian genocide, Joseph Stalin, Clara Barton, Freddie Mercury, Hmong migration and the AIDS epidemic.
Exhibits, performances and documentaries will be in Albertson Hall and Collins Classroom Center. Judging from 3 to 5 p.m. is followed by live final rounds at 5:20 p.m. Public viewing of exhibits begins at 4:40 p.m. in Albertson Hall. Winners will be announced during a 6:45 p.m. ceremony.
Dozens of faculty and staff members at UW-Stevens Point are involved in judging and coordinating the event.
“History remains a vital part of UW-Stevens Point’s curriculum, giving students the ability to think historically and to develop highly sought-after research critical thinking and communication skills,” said Greg Summers, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. He noted that faculty members are creating a revised History major with focused professional pathways. “Options will include teaching in the social sciences as well as non-teaching options in government and public affairs, business and nonprofit management.”