Contact: Xanthi Soriano, Executive Director, Communications
Phone: (279) 789-1601 • Email: xsoriano@scoe.net
On-Site Contacts:
Craig Irish, SCOE, NHD-CA State Coordinator: (916) 803-5682
Whitney Olson, NHD-CA State Coordinator: (707) 849-3503
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Sacramento, CA—National History Day—California is a highly anticipated statewide competition that promotes the study of history and encourages students to engage in historical research and analysis. Students in grades 4–12 participate, conducting research and presenting their findings in the form of exhibits, documentaries, websites, posters, podcasts, performances, or historical papers. More than 1,400 students from 243 schools will compete for a chance to represent California in the National History Day contest.
This year’s theme is “Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas.” A list of projects can be found online as part of the interview schedules for Elementary, Junior, or Senior divisions.
WHEN:
- Saturday, April 15 (9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.)
- Student Showcase: Websites, Exhibits, Posters, Papers (12:30–1:30, University Union)
- Documentary & Performances (open to the public between 10 a.m.–noon and 2–5 p.m.)
Refer to the interview schedule for locations. - Elementary Division Awards Ceremony (3:30 p.m., University Union Ballroom)
- Sunday, April 16 (9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.)
- Performance Final Judging Rooms (open to the public between 10 a.m.–noon)
- Jr. & Sr. Division Awards Ceremony (3:30 p.m.–4:45 p.m., University Union Ballroom)
WHERE: Sacramento State University, 6000 Jed Smith Dr, Sacramento, CA 95815 Park for free in Parking Structure III
BACKGROUND: The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), California State University, Sacramento along with county history day coordinators from throughout the state hosts National History Day - California. The statewide event is associated with National History Day, a year-long educational program.
National History Day is an inquiry-based student-centered program that brings project-based learning to the History-Social Studies classroom. Adaptable to all educational settings, History Day supports critical thinking with authentic research and historical inquiry skills. At its core, History Day is about student choice and voice. Students choose their research topic, drive their research, and choose their project format. Students also gain self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of responsibility for and involvement in the democratic process. In all, more than 30,000 students participate in history day statewide, with winners advancing to higher levels of competition.
Divisions include Elementary (grades 4–5), Junior (grades 6–8), and Senior (grades 9–12). State qualifiers will move on to the National History Day competition, which will take place June 11–15 at the University of Maryland, College Park.