For release: March 21, 2012
For press information, contact Curt Guenther, 901-678-2843

The University of Memphis will host West Tennessee History Day on March 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the University Center.  Students’ exhibits, performances, documentaries, research papers, and websites will all be based on the theme, “Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History.”  First-round judging starts at 9 a.m. and second-round judging at 1 p.m.  The Award Ceremony is set for 3 p.m.  Winners will advance to the state competition April 21 in Nashville.

The event is open to the public at no charge.  Parking is available at the Zach Curlin Parking Garage.

West Tennessee History Day is the regional affiliate of National History Day (NHD).  Organized in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1974, NHD is now held in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and it is expanding into Europe and Asia.  Each year, more than 500,000 students participate by conceptualizing, researching, and writing archival-based research projects which they present at local, district, state, and national contests. 

In the process of exploring the past, History Day students hone their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.  They become better readers, grow in self-confidence, and perfect their oral and written communication skills.  More than five million NHD participants have gone on to careers in business, law, medicine, and countless academic disciplines. 

A flexible program that stresses analytical and conceptual skills, NHD does not compete with state and federal educational goals, but, instead, helps teachers meet those goals.   A recent national survey showed that NHD students routinely outscore non-NHD students as test takers, thinkers, and communicators.  Just last month, President Obama took the extraordinary step of presenting NHD the National Humanities Medal, an award usually given to individuals, not institutions.

This year’s West Tennessee event will be attended by U of M President Shirley Raines, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, and Cathy Gorn, executive director of National History Day, demonstrating their support for West Tennessee History Day.

For details, contact Caroline Mitchell Carrico at 901-678-4721 or ctmtchl1@memphis.edu.