JHD and NHD: A Historic Tradition

By John Chen

June 13, 2024

For Jericho History Day, seventh- and eighth-graders at Jericho Middle School studied and presented research projects for their social studies classes based on the topic “Turning Points in History.”

Over the course of one month, students studied a variety of sources and created a slideshow on their chosen topic, complete with supporting primary and secondary sources. The slide shows included several sections of text and images that told the story of an important historical moment: the thesis, long before, right before, heart of the story, right after and long after. Students formulated a thesis statement that told audiences exactly what their slideshow would be about. This was followed by the “long before,” which provided background information on the event, and the summary, which includes relevant quotes and primary source visuals with captions. The “right before” then provided context for what happened immediately before the event. The “heart of the story” described the event itself, and the “right after” described its aftermath. Finally, the “long after” described the repercussions of the event long after its ending. According to eighth grade social studies teacher Mr. Lawlor, “The most important part of Jericho History Day is the opportunity for students to learn research skills and to construct a project through the lens of a yearly theme…These are skills that they will use through high school, college, and beyond.”

Although all students were required to complete a set of slides for their social studies classes, students also had the choice to create projects to enter in the National History Day (NHD) competition. These projects may take the form of a paper, website, display board, documentary, or performance, and are presented to the rest of the school on Jericho History Day. Mr. Lawlor’s favorite part of the process “is Jericho History Day itself. This allows the students to showcase their projects for all to learn from and enjoy.” Winners from Jericho have the opportunity to move up through the regional, state, and even national levels. 

The projects created for JHD and NHD each year allow students to choose topics in history that interest them, and to conduct their own research through libraries, archives, museums, and online resources. Mr. Lawlor noted, “I like that Jericho History Day offers students the chance to research subjects that interest them…That said, I do love learning and enjoy projects that shine a light on topics that are lesser known.” 

From a teacher’s perspective, “The most rewarding aspect of the project is guiding students through the process of researching their selected topics, particularly with combing through primary sources. This gives students a chance to dive deeper into their subject matter,” Mr. Lawlor explained. Indeed, by offering students the opportunity to investigate a topic of their choice and experience the valuable process of conducting research and presenting their work, JHD and NHD provide a glimpse of academic research for the future.