County History Fair Draws Hundreds of Students to USF St. Petersburg Saturday

ST. PETERSBURG - Hundreds of middle and high school students will take part in the 14^th annual Pinellas County History Fair Saturday, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the USF St. Petersburg campus.

Pinellas History Fair is part of the nationwide organization National History Day, a highly-regarded academic program for elementary and secondary students. More than half-million students participate in the contest each year.

A central theme is announced yearly and students conduct extensive primary and secondary research to create their presentations. Projects may include websites, research papers, 3-D displays, documentaries, plays or media presentations.

They are based on this year’s theme, “Debate and Diplomacy in History.” Judges include community members, teachers, professors, business representatives and other public officials.

USF will also sponsor a financial aid seminar and tours of the campus for parents. Civil War re-enactors will present programming throughout the day.

NHD is a year-long competition that begins at the local level, then progresses to state and culminates in a national competition at the University of Maryland in June. About 25 public schools compete in Pinellas History Day each year.

Last year, 27 district students went to state—the second highest number from any county in Florida. Numerous state winners have also qualified for the national competition.