As a condition of my participation, I affirm that the entry submitted was researched and developed during this current school year ONLY and that my entry adheres to all general National History Day project rules, as well as those applying to my specific category. I understand that Virginia History Day District 6 will not be responsible for loss or damage to exhibits and personal belongings during the day's activities, and release Virginia History Day District 6 from any claims or liabilities of any kind whatsoever, arising from or related to my participation in these activities. I understand that the Virginia History Day District 6 program may record on photographic film, video, and/or other similar digital media pictures of my participation.
Virginia History Day is conducted in conjunction with the National History Day Contest. Students in grades 4 through 12 conduct research projects centered on a unifying theme.
In 2024 Contest Theme is Turning Points in History
Students choose their project format from one of five categories – performance, website, documentary, research paper, and exhibit – and may compete as individuals or in small groups. Along with their projects, students must also submit an annotated bibliography of primary and secondary sources as well as a short paper documenting their research process.
Students interested in competing must first enter their local district contest.The District 6 contest is cooridnated by the Virginia Sons of the American Revoulition's 4 area chapters. District 6 covers Accomack, Chesapeake, Franklin City, Hampton, Isle of Wright, Middlesex, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Southampton, Suffolk, Surry, Sussex, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, York county.
Student who are 4th - 5th graders compete in the Elementary Division. 6th- 8th graders compete in the Junior Division, and high schoolers compete in the Senior Division. Students who place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in their category will advance to the VHD State Contest, which will be held at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond on Saturday, April 27 (Elementary and Junior Divisions) and Sunday, April 28 (Senior Division). Students that place 4th in their category will serve as alternates and advance to states if one of the top three projects cannot attend. The state contest coordinator will be in touch with the winners the week after the contest with more details.
Thanks to the support of the Mariners Museum the 2024 District 6 contest will be held on March 23rd, 2024 at the The Mariners Museum, 100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606
When + Where
The VHD District 6 contest will take place in-person on Saturday, March 23 at the Mariners' Museum in Newport News,
100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606.
Below is a general schedule for the day.
- 9:00am - 10:00am: Student check-in in main museum entrance.
- All exhibits must be set-up no later than 10:00am.
- 10:00am - 1:30pm: Judging + student interviews
- 2:30pm - 3:15pm: Award ceremony in Huntington Room
- Map of Museum
Mariners mapB.pdf
Parking
Please arrive early to avoid stress! All judging will take place inside the Mariners' Museum in Newport News, 100 Museum Dr, Newport News, VA 23606.
When you arrive, there is ample free parking in front of the museum. Please enter the main museum entrance to visit the check-in table when you arrive. Student will receive schedule at check in table.
Food
There are several fast food and restaurants near the museum on Jefferson ave.
The museum café is closed for remolding.
Museum Admission/Activities
Before/after the judge interview, students are encouraged to explore the Mariners' Museum many exhibits. All participating VHD teachers and students plus ONE adult family member will have free admission. Any additional adults or children will need to purchase museum admission.
Check In
Students should check in at the main museum building between 9:00am - 10:00am. If you have an exhibit to set up, please check in by 9:30am at the latest so you can set your exhibit up by 10:00am. At check-in, you will be told when and where your interview will be held with the judges. Be prepared and waiting outside your room at least ten minutes prior to your scheduled judging appointment.
What To Bring
- Exhibit - Exhibit itself + 1 copy of process paper/bibliography
- Website - nothing
- Documentary - 1 copy of process paper/bibliography
- Paper - 1 copy of paper, process paper/bibliography
- Performance - 1 copy of process paper/bibliography + any needed props, set, costumes
Student-Judge Interviews
Each project will have a 10–15-minute interview with their panel of judges. This is an opportunity for the students to share how they created their projects, their research process, and any information that they were not able to include on the project itself. To get a sense of the types of questions judges will be asking, check out this guide from Minnesota History Day.
Interviews do NOT affect the evaluation/ranking of a student's project, but are required for all students to participate.
Students are free to leave after their judge interview.
Spectators
Students, parents, and teachers are encouraged to sit in on showings of Documentaries and Performances. However, they may not enter or leave during a presentation and must be silent while in the room. Exhibits are open to the public only after the judging is finished. Paper, Website, and Exhibit interviews are NOT open to teachers/family.
Awards Ceremony
The award ceremony will begin at 2:30pm in the Huntington Room. However, students do not need to be present to win.
VHD State Contest
Students who place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in their category will advance to the VHD State Contest, which will be held at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond on Saturday, April 27 (Elementary and Junior Divisions) and Sunday, April 28 (Senior Division). Students that place 4th in their category will serve as alternates and advance to states if one of the top three projects cannot attend. The state contest coordinator will be in touch with the winners the week after the contest with more details.
Judge Information
I’ve never judged History Day before. Is that okay?
Absolutely! We welcome veteran judges as well as new judges. Every Contest begins with a training session run by the Virginia Historical Society. Judging teams will consist of a mix of veteran and first-time judges.
What qualifications are needed to be a History Day judge?
No qualifications are required to judge a History Day event. However, judges should possess an interest in history and be comfortable interacting with students. Judging involves evaluating projects with a critical eye, making decisions and offering students constructive feedback on their work.
How much time do I have to commit?
At both the District and State level, a judging session typically requires a minimum of 6 hours. This includes an orientation followed by examination of student work, interviews with students, and determination of top entries. Judges who review Historical Paper and Website entries have a slightly different schedule with a similar time commitment. As a judge, we’ll invite you to participate or view a few webinars prior to the competition, but they aren’t required.
What do judges do during History Day?
The basic task of judges is to evaluate the students’ entries and provide both the positive and the constructive feedback that is essential to the learning process. Judges begin the day with an orientation where they review the day’s timeline, learn how to use the National History Day scoring sheets, discuss consensus judging, and meet their fellow judges and judge captains. There will be time for questions and answers. Judging teams will consist of two or three members, with a mixture of veteran and novice judges. Judges evaluate the student entries in 10 to 15 minute intervals, with time to interview the student(s) about their project. Judges fill out the score sheets and come to consensus on the winning entries. You are welcome, but not required, to stay for the Awards Ceremony.
What kinds of questions should I ask the students?
Questions asked during the judging process should give students the opportunity to talk about what they learned while creating their project. The Contest is the students' day to shine! The judge should never talk more than the student or make them feel as though they have not done enough research. Questions about their research process, sources used, inspirations for the topic, and what they liked about the project are all appropriate questions.
How do I register to be a judge?
Click on the "Register" button above and select "Judge." Register as a user and then fill out the short questionnaire. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences. You should receive a confirmation email once you have completed the process.