Press Release

Saint Mary’s College Hosts “National History Day in Indiana” North District Contest

Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
(574) 284-4579

March 5, 2009 (Notre Dame, Ind.)— The Saint Mary’s College Department of History will host the National History Day in Indiana North District Contest on March 28. National History Day is a yearlong education program dedicated to enhancing history education in elementary and secondary schools. Students in grades four through twelve explore a historical subject related to an annual theme and then use their research to create imaginative exhibits, original performances, media documentaries, web sites and papers.  The 2009 theme is “The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies.”

District winners will advance to the state contest to be held May 9 at the University of Indianapolis, and state finalists move on to the national competition, which takes place June 14-18 at the University of Maryland in College Park.

“This competition encourages student interest in history at an early age and develops their critical thinking skills and their understanding of research methods,” explained Professor Kelly Hamilton, Chair of the Department of History. “The event is also an opportunity for the College’s history students, who will be working as judges and volunteers, to gain more experience working with young people. Many of these students plan to teach history in high school.”

Exhibit judging will take place from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. in Angela Athletic Facility.  Exhibits will be open to the public from 12-1 p.m. The contest will conclude with an awards ceremony at 2:30 p.m. in Little Theatre, Moreau Center for the Arts. The public and media is invited to attend. For a campus map, click here.  For more information on National History Day, click here.

About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees in more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary’s College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.