You are getting ready for the big day – the Maryland History Day state contest at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County on May 7th. The Maryland History Day staff is here to answer some of our frequently asked questions.
Where is the competition being held?
Various buildings on the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Campus. The address is 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 2120.
Where should I park? Is it free?
Parking is free all over the campus. Here is a map of various parking options.
Where should I go when I get to campus?
All students should first report to the third floor of University Center in order to pick up their student packet. From there, you may make your way to your judging location.
What time am I scheduled to present?
The competition schedule has been posted online. Students should arrive at least 45 minutes before their scheduled time to give themselves time for traffic, finding a place to park, registering, and finding their judging location.
Exhibit students should drop of their projects between 8:00am – 9:00am, if they are presenting between 9:30am – 10:30am. Students who are traveling greater distances and have a later interview time can drop of their exhibit when they arrive.
What should I bring with me?
- Exhibit Category – bring 4 copies of the process paper and annotated bibliography to place in front of your exhibit (3 for first round judges, and 1 additional copy in case it is needed for the runoff round).
- Documentary and Performance Categories – bring 4 copies of the process paper and annotated bibliography (3 for first round judges, and 1 additional copy in case it is needed for judges in the runoff round).
- Website Category – although your process paper and annotated bibliography are integrated into your website, we suggest that you bring 3 copies of your process paper and annotated bibliography to the contest in case judges would like to look at hard copies of these materials during the interview.
- Paper Category – although judges already have a copy, we suggest that you bring one copy of your paper and annotated bibliography with you for reference.
What is the judging like?
The judging at the state competition might be slightly different from your experience at the district level. Students are not asked to present their project as they would a project in class. With the exception of documentaries and performances, the judges have had some time to look at your projects ahead of time. Instead, the judging is more of a conversation. Judges will ask various questions regarding your process in the creation of the project: how did you find your primary sources, why did you choose this topic, etc.
Is the judging open to the public?
With the exception of papers and exhibits, all category judging is open to the public. However, we ask that the general public remain quiet in the rooms and out in the hallways so as to not disturb the students and the judges during the interview.
What is there to do?
We are hosting a documentary film festival with a selection of History Day documentaries that will run from 11am to 2:45pm in Lecture Hall 1. At 2:15pm, documentary filmmaker Matt White will discuss his work and show clips from his upcoming documentary on the Beatles! Morning first round judging and afternoon runoff judging in the documentary, performance, and website categories is open to the public, and the exhibit hall will be open to the public when judging is not taking place. Students and their families may also choose to travel to Baltimore to take in historical and cultural offerings there. We have put together a list of things to do and places to see.
Do I have to attend the awards ceremony?
Attendance at the awards ceremony is not required, but it is encouraged. All first and second place winners will be announced, as well as special prize winners. Students can still win special prizes even if they did not self-nominate – the judges also nominate projects for prizes. If you are unable to attend the ceremony and you win a prize, we will reach out to you the week following the contest.
When will I receive the judges’ evaluation comment sheets?
Following the contest we will sort and scan thousands of evaluation sheets. We will make every effort to email all of the scanned forms to every teacher within 10 days (to 2 weeks?), and teachers will be asked to share the comments with you.
If you have more questions, please contact Judy Dobbs, jdobbs@mdhc.org, or Courtney Hobson, chobson@mdhc.org.