Projects Covered Historical Events With Lessons for Today
Including
Kent State Massacre: Tensions Between Protests and Authority
Margaret Sanger’s Brownsville Clinic
The Stonewall Uprising, Suffragettes, the Soviet Union and More
Nearly 70 Students Eligible to Advance to State Contest
Images here.
Brooklyn, NY—The Center for Brooklyn History at Brooklyn Public Library has announced the winners of the New York City History Day Contest. Top honors were awarded to 69 students in grades 6 through 12. They are now eligible for the New York State competition.
Addressing the theme Rights and Responsibilities in History, the winning projects cover a wide range of events, time periods, places and people including Galileo, Lord Elgin, Arthur Ashe, Fred Rogers, and Helen Keller. Students studied the American Revolution, Emancipation Proclamation and the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925. In addition, participants reported on repression in the Soviet Union, protests in China, an uprising in South Korea and a safe haven in the Dominican Republic for Jews fleeing Nazi Germany.
They also studied a wide range of New York City history including the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, the construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway, and the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance.
"New York City is a place where students don't just learn history in the classroom, they're immersed in it the second they step outside. At the Center for Brooklyn History, we believe that history research opens the door to thinking critically and building empathy, and we can see that in this year's incredible projects,” said Dominique Jean-Louis, Chief Historian, at the Library’s Center for Brooklyn History. “History Day is one of my favorite events of the year- I love to see what topics students are curious about, how carefully they conduct their research, how they support one another, and just how much astonishing talent exists in this city's young people. I can't wait to have this year's award-winners represent New York City at the state and national competitions- we're so proud of them!"
In all, there were 159 projects from 294 students in all five boroughs. Forty teachers at 30 schools helped students enter the contest. Participants represent a mix of charter, public, private, and home schools.
Projects fit into one of five categories: websites, papers, documentaries, performances, and exhibits. In addition to learning about history, participants gain valuable critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and research skills.
A complete list of winners can be found here, including special awards for outstanding projects on New York City history, Indigenous history, Black American history, social activism, women’s history, queer history and more.
The Center for Brooklyn History at Brooklyn Public Library was the host for New York City History Day. Over 100 volunteers from cultural heritage institutions, libraries, businesses, and academic institutions served as judges.
The contest is the regional component of National History Day, a program that provides over half a million students each year the opportunity to learn about historical research and interpretation along with creative expression.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 60,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.