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 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to exhibits and personal belongings during the day's activities, and release Virginia History Day District 1 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 1 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 6 through 12 conduct research projects centered on a unifying theme. In 2022 the theme is “Debate and Diplomacy 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.
6th-8th graders compete in the Junior Division, and high schoolers compete in the Senior Division. The top two entries in each category and age division at District competitions qualify for the State contest held at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in April. The top two entries in each category at the State contest qualify for the National competition at the University of Maryland at College Park in June.
Setup Needed...
What to Expect During the contest
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.