Campus Connection

Event to feature “Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History”

[caption id="attachment_34284" align="alignright" width="300"] Students participated in a previous National History Day at UW-La Crosse.[/caption] More than 350 middle school and high school students from 15 western Wisconsin school districts will present results of their historical research projects relating to the theme “Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History” at the annual regional National History Day competition Wednesday, March 30, at UW-La Crosse. UWL's History Department works in cooperation with area teachers and school districts to engage National History Day middle and high school students in historical research on topics of their choosing. The event begins at 8 a.m. in Valhalla, Cartwright Center–Gunning Addition. Throughout the day in Cartwright Center, students will present their research through historical papers, websites, media documentaries, exhibits and performances. Members of the public may attend performances and documentary presentations. Exhibits will be available for viewing at 12:30 p.m. in 339 Cartwright Center and Port O’ Call. Qualifiers for the state competition and winners of special research awards will be announced during a closing ceremony in Valhalla at 1:30 p.m. The public is invited; admission is free. UWL Assistant Professor Patricia Stovey, Western Wisconsin Regional Coordinator for National History Day, says the La Crosse contest is unique. “Besides the level of campus and community involvement, which is a model for the state, we stand out because of our commitment to using National History Day as a way of reaching out to rural communities and potential first-generation college students,” notes Stovey. Regional winners will advance to the state contest in Madison. State winners advance to the national contest in College Park, Maryland, in June. If you go— Who: More than 350 area middle school and high school students What: National History Day Regional Program When: 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30 Where: Valhalla, Cartwright Center–Gunning Addition Admission: Free