Rulebook

The Ohio History Day Youth Division Contest Rule Book has all the information you need on general and category-specific contest rules as well as a breakdown on how entries are judged. For a downloadable pdf copy of the rule book click the link below.

In particular, please note the following rules common to all categories:

Costumes: You are not permitted to wear costumes that are related to the focus of your entry during judging, except in the performance category. 

Prohibited Materials: The following items are prohibited:

• Weapons of any kind, including real, toys, or replicas of any form
• Live animals except service animals
• Anything that could cause damage to the competition venue

Disqualification

A project may be disqualified from the contest on three grounds:

1. Plagiarizing all or part of the NHD project. Please note that failing to give proper credit is plagiarism
2. Reusing, individually or as a group, a project (or research from a project) from a previous year, or entering a project in multiple contests or entry categories within a contest year.
3. Tampering with any part of the project of another student.

Student Conduct 

Participants in Ohio History Day State Contest represent not only themselves but their schools and affiliate regions as well, and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects that. In particular, please note the following:

• You may not physically harm, threaten to harm, or harass any person, including provoking and/or engaging in physical fights or malicious pranks.
• Alcoholic beverages or other drugs are expressly prohibited except those prescribed by a physician.
• You may not tamper with the fire system or fire safety equipment.  You may not set or fuel a fire of any size.

In addition, as guest of Capital Universtiy you are expected to comply with all campus rules. See page 5 of Capital's Student Handbook for more information. 

About Us

The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in 1885, the Ohio History Connection carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history. This includes housing the state historic preservation office, the official state archives, local history office and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio. For more information on programs and events, visit https://www.ohiohistory.org.

Mission

Spark discovery of Ohio's stories. Embrace the present, share the past and transform the future.
 

Core Values

• Relevance- Addressing and communicating the significance of history with Ohio's diverse people
• Authenticity- Valuing artifacts and true stories of history
• Inclusivity- Appealing to all Ohioans, especially underserved audiences
• Stewardship- Protecting the evidence of Ohio history
• Working Together- Pursuing teamwork and sharing authority and responsibility

Youth Contest Logistics 

Contest Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024

Location: Capital University
           

Sample Schedule**

• 12:30 p.m. -  1:30 p.m. - Youth Registration for all categories at Captial Center
• 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. -  Youth Division judging of All Entries 
• 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Exhibit Hall open for Public Viewing/Project Pick-up
• 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Awards Ceremony (Capital Center)

**Schedule subject to change

How will my project be judged?

When your project is judged the judges are evaluating your project using two different levels of criteria.

Historical Quality (80%)

The Historical Quality of your project is worth 80% when it comes to the judges final decision. Historical quality focuses on accuracy of facts, analysis and interpretation of the material, an understanding of historical context, a wide array research represented in the annotated bibliography, a balanced presentation of your materials (un biased) and the use of available primary sources. This section also includes your topic's connection to the annual theme. This year's theme is Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences. For more information, visit the NHD Theme Page. 

Clarity of your Presentation (20%)

This criteria is worth 20% in your final evaluation. Clarity of presentation focus on whether the entry is presented in an effective, original and creative manner.The judges will also consider an entry in compliance to the rules in the final consideration. Failure to follow the rules will count against an entry in the final decisions by the judges. 

At every level of competition ALL JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL!

Should I prepare a formal presentation for the judges?

No, you do not need to prepare an official presentation for the judges. They will read your paperwork, view your project, and then interview you about your project.

What types of questions will I be asked in the interview?

Interview questions can vary depending on the judges. Most likely you will be asked content questions about your topic and then questions about your research and how you put together your projects. Here are some sample questions you might be asked:

• Why did you choose this topic?

• What was your most valuable source and why?

• How do you think your topic impacted history?

• What was the most interesting thing you learned?

• How did you divide up the work? (for groups)

• What was the most challenging thing about your project?

• Why did you choose to create a (paper, documentary, exhibit, website, performance)?