The contest is open to students in Grades 9-12 at any Ottawa-area school and students can submit projects in five different categories: essay, exhibit, documentary, website or dramatic performance. Those projects are then evaluated by panels of judges (historians, educators and professionals in related fields). Each student is interviewed by the judging panel and receives written feedback about their project and a certificate of achievement — and winners are presented with medals at an afternoon awards ceremony.
Last year's competition was held at Confederation Education Centre but the popularity of the contest meant a move to a bigger venue this year.
"We are really excited to be moving to a new home at Carleton University," said Ruth Dunley, one of the steering committee members of National Capital History Day. "Not only has it allowed us to partner with Carleton's Department of History and School of Journalism and Communication in ways that will benefit the students' research, but it also lets the students show off their work in a state-of-the-art facility and open up the event to many more people."
The day is not just a contest, though. As projects are being judged, students can participate in workshops on various topics (last year's event included sessions on everything from medieval swordplay to residential schools to digital humanities and 19th-century fashion). Last year's event also included a special video greeting from Commander Chris Hadfield, a keynote speech by Rob Baker of the Tragically Hip and a special presentation of Six String Nation, a workshop led by Jowi Taylor that introduces students to Voyageur, a guitar made up of incredible pieces of Canadian history.
There is also a Hall of History, allowing students and teachers to meet representatives of local museums, archives, historical societies and authors.
"The best part about National Capital History Day is that it recognizes that students can learn and enjoy history in all kinds of different ways," says Dunley. "It allows a student to investigate a topic they are really passionate about and just run with it, in whatever format they like best. And it's not only rewarding for them, but it also really highlights the creative work that teachers are doing in the classroom all year long."
National Capital History Day is holding an information session for teachers (homeschoolers are also welcome) on Dec. 5. To register for the free session or find out more about how you can get involved on May 1, contact ottawahistoryday@gmail.com or visit the organization's website at www.nationalcapitalhistoryday.com. You can also follow National Capital History Day on Twitter @OttawaHistory
