2012 History Fair

The theme for the 2012 History Fair this year is: "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History" The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park is sponsoring a cash award for the best high school entry relating to military history. The winning individual or group will be chosen by a history fair judge, and the prize will be awarded in a ceremony on Sunday, May 13, 2012.

Since 1977, the Chicago Metro History Education Center, an independent non-profit organization, has promoted discovery of the past through its signature student program, the History Fair, and its accompanying teacher services and educational materials.

Each year, nearly 20,000 Chicago area students learn how to research and think independently through the History Fair experience. Working individually or in groups, participants turn their conclusions into exhibits, performances, papers, and documentaries that are presented at regional, state, and national competitions and other public events. As they investigate the past, they connect to the present, and prepare for the future.

Producing a History Fair project goes beyond typical school activity. Students work on their projects for a substantial portion of the school year, they do independent research at facilities outside of school, they conduct interviews, and they draw their own conclusions about the significance of their study. History Fair contestants are encouraged to use the Robert R. McCormick Research Center, located inside the First Division Museum, for assistance with projects. Students and educators can call 630-260-8186 for project research appointments. We are looking forward to helping History Fair participants.

If you are interested in history or education please consider volunteering as a History Fair judge. Go to the History Fair website at http://www.chicagohistoryfair.org/ for judging forms, and school and student entry forms.

Topic Ideas

1. Chicago Tribune publisher, Robert R. McCormick, and his opposition to U.S. entry into World War II. How did he express his opposition?
2. Stolen Valor Act of 2005 [Public Law 109-437, 109th Congress]. The law concerns “fraudulent claims surrounding the receipt of the Medal of Honor” and other decorations and medals. Why do we need a law like this about military decorations? Are any public officials guilty of making such claims?
3. Major William H. Medill and the Illinois 8th Cavalry, Civil War.
4. The Removal of the Potawatomi Indians from Illinois and the Treaty of Chicago.
5. The 1968 Chicago Democratic Convention and the National Guard. What were the pros and cons of the media coverage?

Past Winners

2008 Winners:
Matthew Goodwin, Gregory Svetov, Darek Krolczyk and Matea Selak of Niles West High School for their exhibit, “All but Forgotten: Camp Douglas”,
Yousef Ismail of Prosser Career Academy for his exhibit, “Eighty Acres of Hell”,
Jessica Orana of Von Steuben Metro Science Center for her exhibit, “G.I. Bill: The Veteran’s Needed Recognition”.

2009 Winners:
Sophia Gomez-Doyle and Olivia Daniels from Lincoln Park High School for the Project, “‘I Did Not Interview the Dead!’: David Boder’s Revolutionary Interviews in Post-War Europe.”
Yoon Jeon Kim and Domitille DeBoissiere of Lincoln Park High School for “Jane Hoge: Leader of the Sanitary Fairs.”

2010 Winners:
Sarah Holmstrom, Morgan Park Academy, “Camp Douglas: Where Confederates Come to Die”
Daniel Haggerty, Mt. Carmel High School, “Ocean Flyers Train far from the Sea: Chicago’s Innovative Aircraft Facility” (this paper advanced to National History Day)

2011 Winners:
Martha Aguirre from Roosevelt High School for "Angels with the Red Cross: The American Nurses of WWI"
Madeleine Tyler from Alcott High School for the Humanities for "Eighty Acres of Hell"