The finals of the 2014 Massachusetts History Day were held today at Stoneham High School in Stoneham, Massachusetts.  

This year's theme was "Rights and Responsibilities in History." Junior high and high school students competed individually and in teams in these categories: Exhibit, papers, performance, documentary, and website.  (Examples of national winners in prior years in each of these categories are listed on the National History Day site.)

Roughly 350 students from 50 schools were competing, supported by more than 80 teachers.  Pictures from several of the exhibits and the first several awards at the ceremony are below.

Thanks to Kerin Shea, Northeast District Coordinator for Massachusetts History Day and the person responsible for the Massachusetts History Day social media outreach on Twitter, for the invitation.  Kerin and all the rest of the people who put on Massachusetts History Day are volunteers.  (In some states, History Day is handled by one or more paid staff.)

The exhibits

The exhibits were the only category of the finals I saw.  They were well done, with considerable time and effort put into researching the topic and creating the exhibit.  

A few observations: 

• There were two on Miranda, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, and women's rights.
• Only one focused on Boston (urban renewal and the West End).
• A few focused on international topics, including education for women, with a focus on Malala Yousafzai, the rights of Armenians, and the famine in Ireland.
• No on chose the Revolutionary period or the formation of our country.  One chose the medieval period in Europe and roughly the same time period in Japan.
• A few dealt with the civil rights struggle.
• A few were surprising given this year's theme.  These included animal testing, Muhammad Ali, in vitro fertilization, and pirate radio.
• One presented a historic incident that I'd never heard of: Prigg v. Pennsylvania.

Note that the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and many other topics were covered in entries in other categories.

Mass History Day State Contest Program 2014

Local efforts to engage high school students

The local historical society on whose board I serve has struggled to engage high schools students despite overhauling our annual scholarship.  We raised the award to $1,000, changed the initial requirement from a finished project to submitting a proposal, and broadened the implementation to include various web and social media tools.  (The 2014 scholarship is described in detail here.)  I don't know whether or not students  in our local high school are encouraged to participate in the state-level National History Day contest, but judging from the exhibits I saw and the auditorium full of students and parents, it's clear that some schools across the state are using History Day to great effect.

Other national programs 

National History Day is one of three national programs encouraging high school students interested in history.

• National Histor — ClubFrom starting with one chapter just over ten years ago, the NHC has grown to involve 17,000 students in chapters in 44 states.  As described on the organization's site, "The NHC inspires students and teachers to start History Club chapters at high schools, middle schools, and within other student and community programs.  Members of local History Club chapters participate in local and national programs, and create their own projects and activities.  The NHC also provides chapters with resources and services that will help them increase the activity and impact of their history club."
• National History Bee, the US History Bee, and the National History Bowl —  Started within the last few years, these competitions for individuals ("Bee") and teams ("Bowl"), take place around the country and culminate with a national competition in the spring.

If there are other national programs aimed at fostering interest in history among junior high and high school students, please let us know.

Updated: March 9, 2014: John wrote a short post about yesterday's History Camp, where he was a speaker and a panelist.  

Updated: April 2, 2014: A video of one of John's talks at History Camp, "The Boston Bankruptcy That Led to the American Revolution," is now online.

John Bell, of Boston 1775 fame, was one of the inspirations for History Camp, which takes place on March 8 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

John is a well known scholar and writer.  In addition to being the author of the Boston 1775 blog and an in-depth (669-page) historic resource study of the Longfellow House-George Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site for the National Park Service, John is a contributor to the highly-regarded Revolutionary War-era site All Things Liberty, the Journal of the American Revolution, as well as other books, and is a frequent presenter, panelist, and interviewer (shown here in December with author Nathaniel Philbrick discussing Philbrick's new book, Bunker Hill).

As John mentioned in his blog post published Saturday and reproduced below, I raised the idea for History Camp on our walk to the subway following a rousingl "RevWar Schmoozer," an informal gathering of RevWar history buffs over beer at an establishment near Faneuil Hall organized by Todd Andrlik, founder and editor of All Things Liberty and other publications (including this one and this one), John was interested in learning more, so I sent him links to information about the unconference format.  

Authors Sam Forman and Liz Covart were interested in participating, and local entrepreneurs Laura Wallendal and Adam Hasler said they were interested in helping organize it.  Adriene Katz of the Shelburne Museum, Colleen Janz of the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, were very encouraging.  (As I recall, Colleen's reaction went something like this when I approached her at the NEMA conference in Newport: "John Bell's going to be there?!  If he's going to be there, I'm going!")  

John, Sam, Liz, and Colleen are all going to present; Laura, Adam, and Adriene may; but Todd, who lives near Chicago, is already scheduled to travel to several other history events throughout the year and is unlikely to be able to attend.  

Registration opened last weekend.  The size of the facility, generously donated by IBM and the folks at IBM's Cambridge Innovation Lab, will limit the number who can attend, so if you'd like to join us on March 8, register now.  And please consider speaking.  As John notes below, as an unconference, History Camp will very much be what we make it.  More information, including the current list of presentations, is at the History Camp wiki.

Come to History Camp, Saturday, 8 March
Posted by J.L. Bell on 25 Jan 2014 at Boston 1775

On Saturday, 8 March, Lee Wright of The History List is organizing a “History Camp” at the I.B.M. Innovation Center in Cambridge. This event is designed to be an “unconference,” or self-organizing, non-hierarchical conference, for anyone in greater Boston interested in history.

The program will depend on who signs up to speak in the next few weeks. The presentations are supposed to be short and lively. The only requirement is that they not be just a sales pitch for a book, tour, class, or other product. I imagine those presentations falling into two categories:
neat stories and findings about the past and practical tips about researching, writing, and teaching history.

I proposed two topics to Lee, one in each of those categories: “The Boston Bankruptcy That Led to the American Revolution” and “Google Books Changed My Life, and You Can, Too!” In addition, Lee drafted me for a tentative panel on “Becoming a Published Author” because I was once an acquiring editor for a book publisher.

Lee had the idea for History Camp after last fall’s RevWar Schmoozer. That informal social event brought together people from our city’s historic sites, reenacting organizations, libraries, museums, tour companies, colleges, and other institutions. It would be great to an even broader turnout at this event, which isn’t confined to the Revolutionary period. Given its setting, this History Camp might be an especially good place to talk about using new technology to improve the study or presentation of history.

As a self-organizing conference, History Camp will take shape over the next few weeks based on the interests of the folks who volunteer their time or ideas. So check out the website, think about the stories you might have to tell or would like to hear, and start signing up!

Updated January 1, 2014: The Higgins Armory Museum is closed forever.  Some of the items will be on display a the Worcester Art Museum in the future.

The Higgins Armory Museum closes in a few days, and I can't think of a better or more important "present" than making a trip to see this world-class collection of arms and armor—one of the three best in the Americas—in a purpose-built building that will soon close its doors. 

The Higgins is no typical museum, and after hearing a detailed briefing on the planned display of a few pieces of the collection in their new home at the Worcester Art Museum in 2014, anyone who is interested in seeing a large number of the pieces, walking through the great hall next to jousting nights on mounts, must go now.  While the collection will be going across town, the experience of the Higgins and the ability to see a large part of the collection in such a magnificent setting will soon be gone forever.  (The "current thinking" from the Worcester Art Museum includes a large gallery space in the year "2019+."  More information about the decision to close is on the museum's site and in this Boston Globe article from March 8, 2013.)

John Woodman Higgins began building the Higgins in 1929 to house his beloved collection, and the armory opened to the public in 1931.  These are, literally, the Higgins museum's final hours—as I post this, there are 54 34 hours left—and your last chance to see the collection there.

Their calendar lists daily activities, including special events during vacation week.

If you have any doubt about the unique experience that is the Higgins, take a close look at the pictures below, then give yourself and your family a very special present this year: Take them to see the Higgins.  While the Higgins will be gone forever, your memories will last a lifetime.

December

20 Friday 10 am - 4 pm
21 Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
22 Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm

23 Monday 10 am - 4 pm
24 Tuesday Closed
25 Wednesday Closed
26 Thursday 10 am - 4 pm
27 Friday 10 am - 4 pm
28 Saturday 10 am - 4 pm
29 Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm

30 Monday 10 am - 4 pm
31 Tuesday 10 am - 3:45 pm

Note: The staff recommends visiting around 12 pm or 12: 30 pm.  They report that they usually have a line out the door when the museums opens in the morning.

Planning your visit (taken from their site):

Higgins Armory Museum
100 Barber Avenue
Worcester, MA 01606

Admission
Adults (age 17+) $12.00
Seniors (age 60+) $10.00
College Students (with ID) $9.00
Children (age 4 to 16) $8.00
Children age 3 and under are FREE
Members enjoy FREE admission to the museum for a whole year.

Special Senior Citizen Discount: Tuesdays are Senior Days at Higgins Armory. If you are 60 and older, you will be admitted for an extra dollar off the senior price every Tuesday (that’s just $9.00 per senior). You’ll also receive a 10% discount on all purchases in our Museum Store (excluding clearance). Offer only valid on purchases made on Tuesdays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Be sure to mention this offer at the admission desk and in the Museum Store. No other discounts can be used in conjunction with either discount. Offer does not apply to group or special program admission rates.

Public WOO CardCollege WOO Card: Show your WOO Card and Save
Public Woo Card: Save $2 off Adult General Admission
College Woo Card: Save $5 off Adult General Admission

Tips to make the best of your visit

• Your touch, though meant to explore, will damage the arms and armor. Please do not to touch any of the objects in our collection. Visit Castle Quest, our large hands-on exhibit, for arms and armor that can be touched!
• Children age 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Photography is encouraged! Tripods are only permitted with special permission or during our Arms and Artists program. 
• Service animals are welcome, but pets should stay home.
• Large bags and coats are not permitted in the galleries. Please leave these items in our cloakroom or, for security, in your car during your visit.
• Food and beverages are not allowed in the galleries. Snacks and drinks are available in the Museum Store. Our Information Desk staff would be happy to help you locate a restaurant nearby.
• Smoking is not permitted in the museum.

Directions

From Boston
Take the I-90/Mass Pike West to Exit 11A, I-495 North. Take I-495 North to Exit 25B, I-290 West. Take I-290 West to Exit 19, I-190 North. Take I-190 North to Exit 1, Rt. 12 North. Follow Rt. 12 North for ¼ mile, Greendale Mall will be on the right. Stay in right lane over the railroad bridge. Take first right after bridge onto Barber Avenue (no street sign).
Travel less than ¼ mile straight ahead to the museum, a four-story glass and steel building with pennants and a knight on the roof.

From New Hampshire and the North Shore
Take 1-495 South to Exit 25B, I-290 West. Take I-290 West to Exit 19, I-190 North. Take I-190 North to Exit 1, Rt. 12 North. Follow Rt. 12 North for ¼ mile, Greendale Mall will be on the right. Stay in right lane over the railroad bridge. Take first right after bridge onto Barber Avenue (no street sign). Travel less than ¼ mile straight ahead to the museum, a four-story glass and steel building with pennants and a knight on the roof.

From Providence, RI
Take Rt. 146 North to I-290 East. Take I-290 East to Exit 19, I-190 North. Take I-190 North to Exit 1, Rt. 12 North. Follow Rt. 12 North for ¼ mile, Greendale Mall will be on the right. Stay in right lane over the railroad bridge. Take first right after bridge onto Barber Avenue (no street sign). Travel less than ¼ mile straight ahead to the museum, a four-story glass and steel building with pennants and a knight on the roof.

From Albany, NY and Springfield, MA
Take I-90 East/Mass Pike to Exit 10, I-290 East. Take I-290 East to Exit 19, I-190 North. Take I-190 North to Exit 1, Rt. 12 North. Follow Rt. 12 North for ¼ mile, Greendale Mall will be on the right. Stay in right lane over the railroad bridge. Take first right after bridge onto Barber Avenue (no street sign).Travel less than ¼ mile straight ahead to the museum, a four-story glass and steel building with pennants and a knight on the roof.

From New York City, NY and Hartford, CT
Take I-84 East to I-90 East/Mass Pike. Take I-90 East/Mass Pike to Exit 10, I-290 East. Take I-290 East to Exit 19, I-190 North. Take I-190 North to Exit 1, Rt. 12 North. Follow Rt. 12 North for ¼ mile, Greendale Mall will be on the right. Stay in right lane over the railroad bridge. Take first right after bridge onto Barber Avenue (no street sign). Travel less than ¼ mile straight ahead to the museum, a four-story glass and steel building with pennants and a knight on the roof.

From Fitchburg/Leominster, MA
Take I-190 South to Exit 1, Rt. 12 South. Take second left and then left again onto Gold Star Boulevard/Rt. 12 North. Follow Rt. 12 North for ¼ mile, Greendale Mall will be on the right. Stay in right lane over the railroad bridge. Take first right after bridge onto Barber Avenue (no street sign). Travel less than ¼ mile straight ahead to the museum, a four-story glass and steel building with pennants and a knight on the roof.

Updated December 11, 2013: The long post from the CEO, who also, apparently, designed the exhibit, defending his museum is worth reading, as are several of the other comments.

My comment on a post on The Junto blog about the new Boston Tea Party Museum:

"This is an important topic, and there is an interesting contrast between this experience and the annual reenactment, which took place on December 16 at the Old South Meeting House and continued on to the docks to watch the boarding of one of the replica ships and the dumping of the tea (pictured). (Several additional photos of the event.) 

While the Meeting House wasn’t as full as it’s reported to have been when the actual meeting took place, it was full by modern standards and there was an electric feeling, as if we were about to witness something special. The reenactors were great and struck the perfect balance between their portrayal and, say, helping a youngster lower the mic so he could address the gathering. I was surprised to see so many kids step up and speak to what was probably the largest group they’d ever addressed.

Of course the Boston Tea Party attraction can’t afford to stage a huge meeting several times a day, but the larger point isn’t one about the use of technology as a substitute, per se. Instead, it’s whether we should focus on delivering an authentic experience that tells the story in a straightforward and honest way, or whether we should feel that we have to “sex it up.” In order to attract a generation that is growing up on iPhones and iPads, do we need to introduce these new technologies in order to capture and hold their interest when they step into our museum or onto our site?

I would argue that the reality is just the opposite. Regardless of the age of the guest, we should presume that they are there because they want to be–not always true for all kids in school groups, I realize–and that they deserve to be treated as intelligent individuals. They may not know much about the history of what they’re looking at or of the site where they’re standing, but they’re standing in front of you because they want to be there. If they wanted to stare at their iPhone or iPad, they would have stayed in the car. A well-designed exhibit or a capable engaging docent should not be replaced with an investment in flash. It’s authenticity that they’re after, and that’s in the documents and the artifacts, the place and the narrative, not the technology and certainly not in a ham-handed attempt to make it relevant and engaging by dumbing down the story and turning up the volume.

A final note: If organizations are going to invest in technology, they should focus on the people who aren’t there but who one day may be. This means immersive online experiences, live streaming events, and providing access to documents and photos of the collection. The viewers and users of those online resources are all people who are going to plan a trip or encourage others. The preview and the opportunity to engage online only makes it more interesting. Let’s banish the statement, “If we put it online, no one will want to come.” Do we believe that the White House, the pyramids, Wrigley Filed, or Disney World get fewer visitors because tens of thousands of photos and descriptions are online?"

A small group of us are starting to plan "History Camp," a topic-specific unconference (or "BarCamp") to be held in the Boston/Cambridge area in late winter/early spring 2014—assuming, that is, that enough people are committed to making it happen and in attending.  If there isn't a critical mass, then it won't.  So it's up to us.  Are you interested?  If so, please dive in.  We'd love to have you.

The information below is from the wiki page on BarCamp.org.

When is it?

On a Saturday in February (unlikely), March, or April

Where is it?

Somewhere in the Boston or Cambridge area, or the surrounding area.  Do you have a space where this could be held?  The idea space will have one large room and several smaller rooms (classroom size) for the sessions.  If you have a space, please let us know. 

Who is organizing this?  How can I help?

Thanks for asking--especially that second question.  Here's the page for volunteers. 

What is a BarCamp or Unconference?

• It's a self-organizing conference.  People who share a common interest get together and create the framework for the event.  The on-scene volunteers, presenters, and everyone else who attends make it happen.  The topics that are presented are the ones of interest to the presenters.  The sessions that are well-attended are the ones that are of interest to the attendees.
• It's free, though it uses a pay-what-you-want model to cover the cost of things like coffee in the morning or lunch.  Ideally, folks will chip in $10 or $20.  However, no one is required to pay anything and no one should feel that they shouldn't attend because they can't chip in financially.  They may want to consider volunteering a little time to help organize, set up, or clean up at the end.  The goal is to break even.  If some individuals or organizations step up as sponsors, then we'll have t-shirts.  If we're not able to find a free space, the event won't happen. 
• Read more about BarCamps on the home page and other pages linked from it. 
• There is a great annual barcamp in Boston.  Browsing their site gives you an idea of what a large, well-run barcamp looks like.  (The photo shows the session board on Saturday at the 200 Boston Barcamp.)  Since we're just starting out and since there is a specific topic area, we expect that we'll have a much smaller group, but the goal is the same: Creating a place and time where people can share their enthusiasm for history and their knowledge and insights from with others.

What is History Camp? 

• History as broadly defined, across geographies and over time.  Yes, it's Boston, but this isn't intended to be limited to the Revolutionary War--or on the United States, for that matter.  Ultimately, it's the speakers and attendees that will define the scope.  Hopefully it will be broad in a way that is of interest to many people.
• What about genealogy?  Sure.  
• Has this been done before?  Not that we know of.  There's a very successful program from George Mason University called THAT Camp, The Humanities and Technology Camp.  History Camp is envisioned as being a true BarCamp, open to all.  No need to apply.  No advance screening of topics and presenters.  
• In short, History Camp is what we make it.  Please join in.
• It is not, however, a venue for a sales pitch.  In other words, if you are an expert at preserving very old books, do not come and give a talk about how you provide a great service and why people should hire you to repair and preserve their old books.  Rather, give a talk that has useful information, perhaps tips and techniques, so that, regardless of whether the person listening hires you or decides to undertake the work themselves, they walk away with new information that they value.

Who is this for?

You, if you're interested in history.  We hope that students of all ages, teachers and professors, authors, reenactors, interpreters, museum and historical society directors and board members, genealogists, and, most of all, history enthusiasts come.

What topic areas might be covered?

Here are some broad topic areas.  They're offered as a way to stimulate ideas and interest.  Would you like to present on one or more, or collaborate with someone else to present?  If so, please insert a bullet with the specific topic, and add your name and e-mail address.  Is there a topic you're interested in that's not listed?  Please add it.

• Historic eras and events, trends, battles and wars, historic figures, little-known history.
• Historic sites: Background, preservation, generating attendance. 
• Careers: Becoming an interpreter or Park Ranger (full time or for the summer), working in a history museum.
• Education: Getting a masters or PhD. 
• Preservation of artifacts, such as caring for old books or clothing that has have been passed down in your family.
• Historic preservation: Sites, commercial and industrial buildings, homes. 
• Teaching history: In grade school and high school, in college, educating the public broadly.
• Digital history/humanities. 
• History books and blogs: Popular and enthusiast publications, getting published, creating and maintaining a site or blog.
• Genealogy: Research tools, recommendations for specific techniques or overcoming specific hurdles 
• History games and gaming
• Reenacting: How to get involved, putting on a large-scale reenactment
• please add more . . . 

Specific topics requested or committed (with your name and e-mail address) 

• Example of requesting a topic: Wanted: King Philips War in Sudbury, Marlborough, and surrounding communities
• Example of committing to a topic:  Lessons learned from holding the first History Camp -- Lee Wright

Okay.  Now I get it.  Sounds fun.  How can I help?

Great!  Here's the page for volunteers. 

FAQ

• What if I can't get there at the beginning or stay until the end?  Come whenever you can and stay as long as you like. 
• My son/daughter is in junior high and likes history.  Can I bring them with me?  Definitely! 
• Can I come in my reenactor attire?  Definitely!

And thanks to . . .

. . . these individuals and organizations.