More than 300 Sacramento-area students used performances, artistic displays, vivid documentaries, and websites last Saturday to celebrate local history during Sacramento County History Day at Inderkum High School. Champions and special award winners from the March 7 competition are listed online, along with photos and other information.
Projects reflected the 2020 theme, “Breaking Barriers in History.” Students presented exhibits, research papers, and interactive websites. Those earning honors at the county level will advance to the National History Day—California state competition, scheduled for May 8–10 at William Jessup University in Rocklin. The National History Day competition will be held in June at the University of Maryland.
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) administers Sacramento County History Day, along with the Center for Sacramento History and a team of dedicated volunteers. The local event is associated with National History Day, a year-long educational program that encourages elementary, middle, and high school students to explore local, state, national, and world history.
In addition to teaching the relevance and importance of history for all grade levels and ages, the program helps students develop problem-solving skills, oral and written communication and presentation skills, self-esteem and confidence, and a sense of responsibility for—and involvement in—the democratic process.
At each competition level, student projects are evaluated by history experts and educators. Competition divisions include Elementary (grades 4–5), Junior (grades 6–8), and Senior (grades 9–12).