Preparing for Contest Day

After months of working on your project, it is time for Vermont History Day! Here are some guidelines for a typical in-person contest day.

Before you arrive:

• Remember to review the judging criteria and use the practice questions to prepare for your interview with the judges.

When you arrive:

• Pick up your name tag at the registration desk. Your judging time and location will be listed on your name tag.

Exhibits:

• Arrive early during registration to allow time to find your assigned spot and set up your exhibit. You must have your exhibit ready for the judges by 9:40 am. Leave three copies of your process paper and bibliography on the table when you set up your board.
• Bring supplies like tape or glue in case you need to fix anything that was damaged during transportation.
• Exhibit judging is scheduled in 15-minute increments. You will be allowed to enter the exhibit hall approximately 5 minutes before your scheduled judging time. You must leave the exhibit hall after judging. Spectators are not allowed to watch exhibit judging to limit noise and distractions for students and judges.
• Exhibits must be broken down before the start of the Awards Ceremony.

Documentaries:

• Documentaries are submitted before the state contest, so you only need to bring three copies of your process paper and bibliography.
• Judging rooms will have a computer (PC), a projector and screen. The documentaries will be pre-loaded on the computers. Give the judges your process paper to read before you show your video. When judges indicate they are ready, start your video.
• Documentary judging is scheduled in 20-minute increments. Spectators may watch documentary judging.

Performances:

• You must be able to set up your props in 5 minutes. Bring tools and supplies to make repairs in case props get damaged during transportation.
• Give judges the three copies of your process paper and bibliography to read while you set up your props. When judges indicate they are ready, announce your title and student name(s) before you begin your performance.
• Performance judging is scheduled in 20-minute increments. Spectators may watch performance judging.

Exhibits, Documentaries and Performances:

• Remember to bring three printed copies of your process paper and annotated bibliography. Judges need to read your process paper and bibliographies, not view them on a device. Printers are available at the Howe Library, but you need a special card to pay for printing, so it is best to bring them with you.

Websites:

• Judges have viewed websites and read them thoroughly before judging. Your process paper and bibliography are part of the website, so you do not need to bring copies.
• Website judging is scheduled in 15-minute increments. 

Papers:

• Judges have already read your paper and bibliography. You may want to bring a reference copy for yourself.
• Paper judging is scheduled in 15-minute increments. 

All:

• Remember to reread the National History Day Contest Rule Book. This booklet should answer many of your questions.
• If you have other questions or need clarification, contact education@vermonthistory.org