Special Prizes
Sponsored by The Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site, National Capital Parks-East, National Park Service, which preserves the home of the legendary Dr. Carter G. Woodson located in Washington, D.C. This prize is awarded to the outstanding entry in either division whose research and presentation relates to and/or is inspired by the life and times of Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
Chaney, Schwerner, and Goodman: How Three Tragic Murders Led Freedom Summer to Triumph
Vanquishing Segregation in the Valley of the Sun: The Triumph and Tragedy of Carver High
The American Labor Studies Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to collect, analyze, create and disseminate labor history and labor studies curricula and related materials. The American Labor Studies Center prize is awarded to an outstanding entry in any category, in either division, that involves an aspect of American labor history, including the role that individuals and/or labor organizations have played in American economic, political, legislative, social or cultural life.
The Bay View Tragedy: Wisconsin’s Fight for the Eight-Hour Workday
This prize is given in recognition of demonstrated excellence in the study of Asian-American history. The prize is awarded to an outstanding student project in both the Junior and Senior divisions that documents and analyzes the Asian-American experience. The subject(s) can be an individual, group(s), a right, challenge(s), triumph(s), or any topic that has historical significance, influence or impact. The project should explain why the subject(s) is/are important and place it/them in historical context.
The Blood Certainly Liberates Us from Slavery: The Journey of the Jewel of Asia
A Legacy Lost: The Mistreatment of the Chinese Through the Transcontinental Railroad
This prize is sponsored by the Naval Historical Foundation, which has focused on preservation, education and commemoration of naval history since 1926. The prize is named for the late Captain Ken Coskey, a Vietnam War combat aviator and Prisoner of War, and former executive director of the Naval Historical Foundation. During his fifteen years in leadership roles at the Naval Historical Center and the Naval Historical Foundation, he became a strong supporter of National History Day. The award is given to the best entry on naval history in any category and both divisions.
The Art of Confusion: The Triumph of Dazzle Camouflage after Tragedy
Hawaii's Workers Assist U.S. Triumph after Tragic Pearl Harbor Bombing
Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), this prize is awarded in both the Junior and Senior divisions to an outstanding entry in any category that utilizes the newspaper resources that are available on the Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers web site (www.chroniclingamerica.loc.gov). Each content item from Chronicling America (article, image, etc.) used for the entry must be noted in the Primary Sources section of the Annotated Bibliography and follow proper NHD citation guidelines for Web content. The Chronicling America web site provides free access to over 10 million pages of select digitized historic newspapers published between 1836 and 1922. It is produced by the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP), a long-term partnership between NEH and the Library of Congress to digitize representative historic newspapers from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Chronicling America currently has digitized newspapers from 39 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, with new content added regularly, including newspapers published in foreign languages starting with Spanish, French, German, and Italian. Primary sources are not limited to newspaper articles, but also include advertisements, images, literary prose, and other content that appears in historic newspapers. In addition to providing basic factual details about an event or topic, historic newspapers can shed light on local perspectives about a major historical event, insight into social or cultural practices, traditions, political opinions, economic circumstances, and a wealth of other historical information. For more information on NEH visit their homepage at http://www.neh.gov/.
Racing Against Racism: Triumph and Tragedy in the Life of Jesse Owens
Caged But Not Defeated: The Triumphant Spirit of the Angels of Bataan
Sponsored by the Civil War Trust, a non-profit organization that promotes appreciation and stewardship of our nation’s historical, cultural, and environmental heritage through preservation of significant Civil War battlefields and supporting preservation and education programs. This prize is awarded to an outstanding entry in any category and from either division which focuses on the history of the American Civil War.
Quantrill's Raid: The Destruction and Rebuilding of Lawrence, Kansas
Sponsored by the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, this prize is awarded to an outstanding entry in any category, in both the Junior and Senior divisions, that best utilizes original sources [journals, letters, newspapers, maps, government records and/or oral histories, etc.] to focus on the Corps of Discovery. Topics could include the Corps of Discovery, an individual expedition member, government official, or tribal leader, natural history, international politics and exploration, cartography, the sciences, leadership, diplomacy, or the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail or a related historic site. For more information about the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, visit: www.lewisandclark.org.
Sacagawea and York: Triumph and Tragedy on the Lewis and Clark Trail
Sponsored by the Library of Congress, this prize is awarded in the junior and senior divisions for an outstanding project in any category on American or international discovery or exploration. The Elizabeth Ridgway fund was established in memory of Ms. Ridgway, Library of Congress Education Outreach Director, for her passion for history, students, education, and the Library of Congress.
How the Tragedy of the Apollo 1 Fire Led to the Triumphant Apollo 11 Moon Landing
X Marks the Spot: The Rosalind Franklin Story
Sponsored by Celie and Tabitha Niehaus, this prize is awarded in both the junior and senior divisions to an outstanding entry in any category that illuminates the history of human equality, especially with respect to the role that individuals and/or organizations have played in the efforts for isolated groups (e.g., LGBT, women, and girls) to have the same status in certain respects, often including civil, voting, and property rights, freedom of speech, marriage and gender equality, and equal access to social goods and services.
Eat Anywhere: Mary Church Terrell's Quest to End Segregation in the Nation's Capital
Women in Revolt: The Enduring Legacy of the Newsweek Lawsuit
Sponsored by George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington, this prize will be awarded to an outstanding project in both the junior and senior divisions that demonstrates a clear understanding of Washington’s character and the ideas and events that defined his leadership in his roles as commander in chief of the Continental Army, presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention, entrepreneur, and/or first president and connects his legacy to events and ideas of the 21st century.
Stealth and Secrecy: The Culper Spy Ring’s Triumph over the Tragedy of Betrayal
This prize is sponsored by the U.S. Institute of Peace, the independent organization created by Congress to prevent and mitigate international conflict without resorting to violence. Created in 1984, USIP engages directly in conflict zones and provides analysis, education and resources to those working for peace around the world. This prize will be awarded in both the Junior and Senior Divisions to an outstanding entry that demonstrates America’s commitment to peace, including the role that individuals, organizations and/or the U.S. government have played in advancing the cause of global peace. Students are encouraged to think broadly about the concepts of peace and peacebuilding. They can encompass many forms and themes such as pursuing diplomatic solutions to international conflicts; bringing divided communities together; providing access to education, economic development, justice and the rule of law; addressing gender or other inequalities; or other initiatives intended to prevent or resolve violent conflict around the world. For more information visit www.buildingpeace.org.
Finding Honor in Defeat: The Demilitarization of Japan
The Yellowstone Fires of 1988: A Tragedy for the Present, but a Triumph for the Future
Sponsored by the Agricultural History Society the prize is awarded to the best project in either division, in any category, focused on the history of agriculture and/or rural life in any country or time period. The Agricultural Historical Society was founded in 1919 to promote the study of the history of agriculture and rural life in America and throughout the world.
Enterprise, Alabama: Rising From the Ashes
Stolen Glory: The Hidden Story of the Father of Television
The Silence after the Fall: The Hidden Triumphs and Tragedies of the Manhattan Project
This prize is given in recognition of demonstrated excellence in the study of Immigration history. The prize is awarded to an outstanding student project in either division that documents and analyzes Immigration to the United States. The subject(s) can be an individual, group(s), a right, challenge(s), triumph(s), or any topic that has historical significance, influence or impact. The project should explain why the subjects (s) is/are important and place it/them in historical context.
The Real Housewives of the Lower East Side: The 1902 Kosher Meat Boycott
Sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) the prizes are awarded to two projects in either junior or senior divisions, in any category. The entries must demonstrate excellence in the study or presentation of Irish/Irish-American History. The AOH and LAOH are the oldest, largest and most prominent Irish Catholic fraternal organizations in the nation. Founded in New York and Pennsylvania in 1836, its membership exceeds 100,000. The medals awarded with these prizes are in honor of Commodore John Barry, USN (1745 – 1803) who was a native of Ireland and Founder of the U.S. Navy. The AOH award is two round trip tickets to Ireland or $2,000 and the LAOH Scholarship Assistance Award is $1,500. Awards given can both be in the same division.
The Irish Potato Famine: From Oppression to Opportunity
Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington: An Irishwoman's Triumph in Confronting National
Tragedy
This prize is given in recognition of demonstrated excellence in the study of Latino-American history. The prize is awarded to an outstanding student project in both the Junior and Senior divisions that documents and analyzes the Latino-American experience. The subject(s) can be an individual, group(s), a right, challenge(s), triumph(s), or any topic that has historical significance, influence or impact. The project should explain why the subject(s) is/are important and place it/them in historical context.
The Young Lords Organization of Chicago
The Bracero Program
Sponsored by the Society for American Baseball Research, an association of over 6,000 individuals who enjoy reading, writing, talking, and learning about all aspects of baseball. The Lee Allen prize honors the best entry in any category and in either division relating to baseball which best demonstrates research skills, accuracy, and an appreciation of the national pastime. The prize is named in honor of Lee Allen, the historian at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum from 1950-1969.
Jackie Robinson: Stealing Bases and Gaining Equality Among the Races
This prize is awarded to a student in recognition of their unique creative talents and dedication to public service. Students are nominated by their teachers and must compete at the national contest to be considered. The award winner is decided on by a council of NHD state coordinators.
A Night at Ford’s Theatre: Military Triumph turns to Tragedy
This prize is given in recognition of demonstrated excellence in the study of Native American history. The prize is awarded to an outstanding student project in both the Junior and Senior divisions that documents and analyzes the Native American experience. The subject(s) can be an individual, group(s), a right, challenge(s), triumph(s), or any topic that has historical significance, influence or impact. The project should explain why the subject(s) is/are important and place it/them in historical context.
Mistrust and Misunderstanding: A Deadly Clash at Wounded Knee
The Triumph of Greed and the Tragedy of Cherokee Removal: The Fight for North Georgia Tribal Lands
Sponsored by the National Archives and Records Administration, the prize is awarded to an outstanding entry in any category and in both Junior and Senior divisions that uses the records of the Federal government to either illuminate the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution or to focus on Constitutional issues throughout American History.
The Triumphs of Alexander Hamilton
Where Do We Draw The Line? How The Triumph Of District-Based Representative Government Devolved into a Tragic Distortion of American Democratic Ideals
Sponsored by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting the study of Marine Corps history and traditions, this prize is awarded to an outstanding entry in any category in either the junior or senior division that demonstrates an appreciation of Marine Corps History.
Was the Triumph Worth the Tragedy? The Battle of Saipan
Sponsored by the White House Historical Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Executive Mansion, this prize is awarded to an outstanding project in both the Junior and Senior divisions that documents and analyzes White House history through such subjects as individual presidents, first ladies, residence staff, White House art and architecture, or important events that took place in the White House.
Not in His Shadow but by His Side: The Triumph and Tragedy of My Husband's Presidency
Triumphing over Neglect, Disease, and Death: Dr. Hilla Sheriff
A Triumph in Women's Rights: The Development of the Oral Contraceptive Pill
The Tragic and Triumphant "Tail" of Stubby, the Military Dog
Forgotten Heroes: African Americans in World War I
The National World War II Museum illuminates the American experience during the WWII era with moving personal stories, historic artifacts and powerful interactive displays. This prize is awarded to an outstanding entry in both the junior and senior divisions that involves World War II history.
The Battle of Guam's War Reparations
Ghost Army