Alice Rogers, Director of Public Relations & Marketing

(502) 564-1792, ext. 4476

alice.rogers@ky.gov

http://history.ky.gov

Hundreds of middle and high school students around the Commonwealth are hard at work, preparing their projects for National History Day.  Research papers, exhibits, performances and documentaries must reflect this year’s theme, “Communication in History:  The Key to Understanding.”  Winners from district contests taking place over the next month will advance to the National History Day State Contest in Frankfort on April 16.

“This is an opportunity for students to earn college scholarships and cash prizes,” says Kate Hesseldenz, National History Day in Kentucky Coordinator.  “But more importantly, the contest builds students’ confidence and research skills.  When students take ownership of their topic, it makes learning history fun.”

Some 300 students are expected to participate in four district contests, held in Prestonsburg, Louisville, Georgetown, and Henderson.  First-, second-, and third-place district winners advance to the state contest, held April 16 at the Kentucky History Center.  First- and second-place state winners advance to the national competition, held June 12-16 at the University of Maryland.

National History Day is for students in grades 6-12.  Last year, 300 Kentucky students participated.  For more information on how to participate in National History Day in Kentucky, visit http://history.ky.gov.

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An agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, The Kentucky Historical Society, since 1836, has provided connections to the past, perspective on the present and inspiration for the future.  KHS operates the Old State Capitol, Kentucky Military History Museum and its five-year-old headquarters, the Kentucky History Center.   Since 1999, the thirty-million-dollar History Center has welcomed almost one million visitors.   For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit the Web at http://history.ky.gov or call (502) 564-1792.