Local Students to Present Final Projects During Capital Region History Day at the New York State Museum

This Year's Theme Explores "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History"

Middle and high school students from across the Capital Region will showcase their research on Saturday, March 14, during this year's Capital Region History Day at the New York State Museum. Following the National History Day theme of "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History," students will present original projects exploring turning points that shaped local, national, and world history. While this year's theme aligns with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, students may highlight any topic they believe fits the theme.

New York State Museum Executive Director Jennifer Saunders said, "Capital Region History Day is a great way for students to dig deeper into topics first introduced to them in the classroom. This year's theme will help them discover more about events and movements that have shaped the world around them. It also perfectly complements the Museum's upcoming Revolutionary New York exhibit, which we hope students and their families return to view this summer."

This year's contest will include students from Acadia Middle School, Farnsworth Middle School, Shaker Junior High School, Mechanicville Junior-Senior High School, Shenendehowa High School, and Niskayuna High School.

Student projects can be presented in one of five categories: Historical Paper, Exhibit Board, Documentary, Performance, or Website. Divisions are broken into two groups, Junior (6th-8th grade students) and Senior (9th-12th grade students).

A team of 11 volunteer judges, comprised of staff from the Office of Cultural Education and other area institutions, will meet with student presenters and complete category-specific rubrics to evaluate their work.

Projects will be on display throughout the Museum, including in the Huxley Theater and 4th floor terrace. The day will follow the below schedule:

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.: Student & Teacher Registration
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Contest Judging
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.: Judges Tabulation, Lunch, & Public Viewing of Exhibits
1:30 - 2:00 p.m.: Exhibit Take Down
2:30 - 3:15 p.m.: Award Ceremony

Student winners at Capital Region History Day will advance to the New York State History Day competition, taking place on April 26, 2026, at SUNY Oneonta. The top performers from the state-level competition will then have the opportunity to compete against students from across the nation at National History Day, held this June at the University of Maryland.

About the New York State Museum

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum is the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Home to leading scientists, historians, archeologists, and anthropologists, its collections represent the State's rich cultural and natural heritage from the past and present, including a staggering 20+ million artifacts spanning 1.1 billion years ago to today. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the New York State Museum website and subscribe to our newsletter.

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