Topic Talk

Things to think about during topic selection…

1. A rule of thumb when selecting your topic is to choose one at least 25 years in the past. This will eliminate problems you might run into researching recent events, for example not being able to find enough written on the topic. Choosing a topic 25 years in the past will allow you to see the event/ person’s impact over time.

2. Look at the Special Awards being offered at the state competition! You may get an idea for a project and you could win a Special award at the State Contest! We have a group of supporters who generously support History Day by sponsoring Special Awards that cover a wide range of topics…

Here is our list of Special Awards so far:

Outstanding Entry that Incorporates Jewish Heritage and/or a Jewish Personality
Sponsored by the Jewish Historical Society of Lower Fairfield County

Outstanding Entry in Women's History
Sponsored by the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

Outstanding Entry in Civics, Government, Citizenship
Sponsored by Bill Bevacqua

Outstanding Entry in Early American History (through 1812)
Sponsored by the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

We are constantly updating our Special Awards so keep checking our website. They are listed on the bottom of the Contest's page!

3. Use all the resources at your fingertips! Literally, by the click of a mouse you can find a list of topics provided on our website. From World and U.S. topic suggestions to local Connecticut topics…they are all provided under the resource tab!  

4. Think locally! Judges love original, fresh ideas! You may find a topic in U.S. History that you like...take this topic and try to find how it relates to Connecticut. For example the civil rights movement—did you know there were riots in CT?  If you think locally, you have local historical societies that are always happy to help with research! Also, find someone who you can interview in the area. A historian, a person who lived through the event, a politician—the possibilities are endless!

The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Welcome to the History Day in Connecticut blog! Do you have questions, concerns, or want some feedback? Feel free to contact us with questions or blog topics!

Have you found your topic yet?

The key to stress less success is starting early. History Day registration is right around the corner and we are hoping to see many of you who participated last year and welcome all of those who are new to History Day.

Well, the first step to delving into your projects is to pick a topic! This may seem like the easiest part, but sometimes it can be the hardest. The 2012 theme: Revolution, Reaction and Reform provides you with endless possibilities. Remember these themes are created to be broad enough for you to select local, state or world history topics! First, take apart the three words and define them to really understand what the topic is asking of you. Once that is done, here are some suggestions on ways to get started…

• Keep your ears open during classes—and this means in ALL subjects. If something sparks your interests…do some investigating on your own. Check out a book at your local library on the topic or go on the web with your parent’s permission!

• Visit museums around Connecticut on your school breaks. Library passes are available at most public libraries for free or discounted admission to a variety of Connecticut’s museums.

Museum: New England Air Museum  http://www.neam.org/  

Example Topic: The Airplane: Revolution in Warfare

• If you are travelling for the holidays, do a little research beforehand and explore anything that interests you in the area you will be visiting.

• Read the newspaper or check news sites online! Current events can be easily connected to the past. The new iPhone 4S just came out…Imagine how revolutionary the first television looked when it was introduced!

             Article: “New iPhone Conceals Sheer Magic”

Example Topic: Television: A Cultural Revolution       

• Check out what happened today in History for inspiration! http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history  

Most importantly, try to choose a topic that truly interests you—one that automatically creates a whirlpool of questions in your head. Why did this happen? Who was involved? How did it end? Good luck getting started!

Have any suggestions, comments, or questions for your fellow History Day competitors? Please post them below!

David, Pogue. “New iPhone Conceals Sheer Magic.” The New York Times 11 Oct. 2011. 18 Nov. 2011 <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/12/technology/personaltech/iphone-4s-conceals-sheer-magic-                pogue.html?_r=2&scp=2&sq=iphone%204s&st=cse >