Maine History Day is an annual event for students in grades 6 to 12 that promotes critical thinking skills through project-based learning.
Students produce research papers, museum-style exhibits, 10-minute performances, 10-minute documentaries or websites based on a yearly national historical theme using primary and secondary resources. These may be done as individuals or groups.
The projects are evaluated on the basis of relation to theme, historical quality and clarity of presentation.
Students initially participate at the regional level, with top performers advancing to a state competition. First- and second-place winners at state level advance on to the nationals.
This year, the northern Maine regional event will take place right here in Presque Isle at the University of Maine at Presque Isle on April 2. Thanks to the generosity of a sponsor, all registration fees are waived.
The event is sponsored by the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Skowkegan and the Portland-based Maine Humanities Council.
For more information about participating as a student or as a judge, please contact John Taylor at the Margaret Chase Smith Library, (207) 474-7133, or by email at john.m.taylor@maine.edu.
Kimberly R. Smith is the secretary/treasurer of the Presque Isle Historical Society.
