FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saint Mary’s to Host “National History Day in Indiana” on Campus
Media contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
(574) 284-4579
February 25, 2011 (Notre Dame, Ind.)— The Saint Mary’s College Department of History will host the National History Day in Indiana North District Contest on Saturday, March 5. National History Day is a yearlong education program dedicated to enhancing history education in elementary and secondary schools. Students in grades 4 to 12 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 2011 theme is “Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences.”
District winners will advance to the state contest to be held April 16 at Marian University, Indianapolis, and state finalists move on to the national competition, which takes place June 12 through 16 at the University of Maryland in College Park.
“This competition encourages student interest in history at an early age. It also develops their critical thinking skills and their understanding of research methods,” explained Professor Kelly Hamilton, Chair of the Department of History. “The event is an important 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. For more information on National History Day.
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 and 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. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” in the U.S. News & World Report 2011 College Guide. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.