The Robert Russa Moton Museum and Longwood University will be hosting the 2023 Virginia History Day district contest.
Virginia History Day (VHD), a student competition hosted by the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, encourages students in grades 4-12 to research and present a history project that corresponds with a specific theme.
The Moton Museum will host the District 7 competition, which is scheduled for March 11, 2023.
District 7, one of eight districts in Virginia, comprises Prince Edward County, Brunswick, Charlotte, Greensville, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, and South Boston.
The theme for the 2023 contest will be “Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas.” Students can choose any time period, or a historical event at the local, state, or national level, to research. From there, individual students or groups can present their exhibits, documentaries, performances, or websites with this theme for the district or state competition.
Cainan Townsend, managing director of the Moton Museum, said that the museum can offer assistance to participating students.
“We are happy to connect students to resources related to the Moton School Story,” Townsend said.
Three winners from each district will advance to the statewide VHD competition, which will take place at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond on April 29-30, 2023. Winners from the state competition will also advance to the National History Day competition, which will take place in June at the University of Maryland.
Sam Florer, Virginia History Day Coordinator, said that interested students and teachers in District 7 can begin registering now. Registration will continue until February 27, 2023, and the project submission deadline will end on March 6, 2023.
Florer said the contest provides an outlet for students who love history. Students can hone their skills in writing, technology, and presentation, while collaborating with other students with similar interests and getting the chance to win prizes.
“Any student who has a passion for history, this program is for them,” Florer said.
To register for the competition, contact Townsend at [email protected].
To learn more about VHD, visit the contest’s website.