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 will not be responsible for loss or damage to exhibits and personal belongings during the day's activities, and release Virginia History Day 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 program may record on photographic film, video, and/or other similar digital media pictures of my participation.
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.
4th and 5th graders compete in the Elementary Division and are only eligible to enter in the exhibit category, as either an individual or as a group. Elementary students must also complete a process paper, but their bibliographies do NOT need to be annotated. 6th-8th graders compete in the Junior Division, and high schoolers compete in the Senior Division.
The top three entries in each category and age division at District competitions qualify for the State contest held at the VMHC 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. Elementary students are NOT eligible to compete at Nationals, but will be invited to spectate.
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The 2024 VHD State Contest will be held in-person at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond, VA.
Elementary and Junior Division students will compete on Saturday, April 27. Senior Division students will compete on Sunday, April 28. Students only need to attend the one day that their division is competing.
Student check-in will run from 9:00am - 10:00am. Judging will begin at 10:00am and last until roughly 2:00pm. The award ceremony should begin around 3:00pm. A more detailed schedule will be shared to participating students/parents/teachers closer to the contest.