Connecticut Democracy Center Announces Results of Connecticut History Day Mansfield Regional Competition

On March 7, the Connecticut Democracy Center welcomed over 297 middle and high school students to compete in the 2026 Connecticut History Day Mansfield Regional Contest at the University of Connecticut. Students from 26 schools entered research projects in hopes of making it to the State Competition at Central Connecticut State University on May 2, 2026. This regional contest was a culmination of months of hard work by students as they conducted historical research related to this year's theme, "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History." Students who place in first and second place at the State Contest will earn a spot to represent Connecticut at the National Competition in Maryland in the spring. The Mansfield contest was made possible with support from the Department of Early College Experience and the Department of History at UCONN.

Students participate in Connecticut History Day in various ways, including classroom instruction, after-school clubs, enrichment programs, and independent projects. They are permitted to explore any aspect of history, from local to international. They can work individually or in groups on topics of their own choice. Students must present projects in one of five categories – exhibits, documentaries, websites, papers, or performances and learn how to identify primary sources, conduct research, and write a historical argument and thesis statement. As they develop their projects, students receive guidance from local teachers who also help prepare them to present their findings to volunteer judges.

"We are excited to see students presenting the results of their research," says Rebecca Taber, Director of Secondary Education Programs for The Connecticut Democracy Center. "Connecticut students are so innovative, our volunteer judges are always eager to see the topics the students have chosen and how they interpret the significance of the information they uncover on the modern world we live in now."

Middle and High School Students represented the following schools: Capital Preparatory Magnet School (Hartford); Carmen Arace Intermediate & Middle School (Bloomfield); Center School (Mansfield); E. O. Smith High School (Mansfield); Ellington High School; Ellington Middle School; Enfield High School; Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy; John F. Kennedy Middle School (Enfield); Lewis Homeschool (Bloomfield); Loomis Chaffee School (Windsor); Madina Academy (Windsor); Manchester High School; Mansfield Middle School; Mohapatra High Homeschool (South Windsor); Pomfret School; Rockville High School (Vernon); Sage Park Middle School (Windsor); South Windsor High School; Suffield Academy; Timothy Edwards School (South Windsor); Vernon Center Middle School; Windham Technical High School; Woodstock Academy; and Yang Homeschool (South Glastonbury)

The results of the Mansfield Regional Contest can be found on the Connecticut History Day website at historydayct.org or by clicking HERE. Awards were presented by special guests State Representative Kevin Brown and Mayor Antonia "Toni" Moran, of Mansfield.

Connecticut History Day is an affiliate program of National History Day (NHD). CHD annually engages thousands of middle and high school students in historical research, interpretation, and creative expression through project-based learning. The program aims to bring together students, teachers, museums, and scholars to support young people as they engage with history. Led by the Connecticut Democracy Center, CHD is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities.