HAGERSTOWN, MD (March 1, 2019) – Middle and high school students from Washington County Public Schools will participate in the National History Day District Competition on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Washington County Free Library, 100 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown. Students have earned the opportunity to compete at the district level by advancing from the school level. This year’s competition is based on the theme, “Triumph and Tragedy in History,” with student projects submitted as website construction, documentaries, exhibits, performance and research papers. Ten projects will move on from each of two divisions: Junior (Middle School) and Senior (High School), to the Maryland History Day Competition at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County on May 11, 2019.

The public is invited to view the projects during a Community Showcase at the library on Tuesday, March 5 from 3:30 – 6 p.m., with the competition the following day. Alternate dates have been set in case inclement weather affects the original schedule. The alternate dates are March 12 for the Community Showcase and March 13 for the District Competition.

The National History Day Project promotes historical inquiry and research while facilitating the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, oral and written communication skills and a sense of responsibility for involvement in the democratic process. The National History Day program is a curriculum requirement for students enrolled in Advanced Placement European History, Advanced Placement United States History and Advanced Placement World History, as well as Merit sixth and eighth-grade classes.