In-Depth Judge Training Sessions
Come meet with staff and fellow judges during an extended, optional training session. All event judges will receive an orientation prior to judging on the day of the event, so this training session is not required to judge for History Day. However, the judge workshop will allow you to:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the judging criteria
- Meet experienced judges
- View sample student projects from past years
- Ask questions about the judging process
Dates and RSVP
- Tuesday, February 19 from 4-5:30 pm at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus - Coffman Memorial Union, Minneapolis
- Saturday, February 23 from 10-11:30 am at the Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
- Tuesday, April 16 from 6-7:30 pm at the Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
- RSVP for any of these session online
Judge Information
Each judge information sheet provides detailed information about the contest, including directions and a general event schedule. The following documents will be uploaded in mid-February.
- Northeast Regional (University of Minnesota - Duluth) - Saturday, March 2
- Northwest Regional (Bemidji State University) - Tuesday, March 5
- Southeast Regional (Winona State University) - Thursday, March 7
- St. Paul Public Schools (Johnson High School) - Saturday, March 9
- West Central Regional (Minnesota State University Moorhead) - Monday, March 11
- Metro Junior West (Sandburg Middle School, Golden Valley) - Tuesday, March 12
- Central (St. Cloud State University) - Saturday, March 16
- Metro Senior (Augsburg University) - Monday, March 18
- South Central (Minnesota State University, Mankato) - Tuesday, March 19
- Metro Junior Central (University of MN, Twin Cities - Minneapolis) - Thursday, March 21
- Metro Junior East (White Bear Lake High School, South Campus) - Saturday, March 23
- Minneapolis Public Schools (Roosevelt High School, Minneapolis) - Saturday, March 23
State History Day (University of Minnesota, Twin Cities - Minneapolis) - Saturday, May 4
General Training Materials
- Theme
- Sample Projects
- Rulebook
- Judge Instructions
- Judging Rubrics
Expectations of Judges
As a judge, History Day events are rewarding experiences. The History Day program, students, and teachers will also be relying on you as a critical part of the educational process. Here is what you can expect at History Day event, as well as what the program expects of you as a judge.
As a judge, you will:
- Sign up in advance on the website.
- Attend a judge orientation the day of the event.
- Work with another volunteer to review projects and interview students.
- Select the strongest projects to advance to the next level of competition.
- Provide written feedback about each project you view.
As a judge, you are responsible to:
- Arrive on time to all events for which you sign up and stay until the judging process is completed.
- Let us know as soon as possible if your schedule changes and you are unable to judge.
- Remember the age of your audience. Some students are as young as 6th grade and may be nervous to discuss their work. Ask questions which prompt students to provide information, and be patient if they are shy or anxious.
- Pay careful attention so you can evaluate well. Students have worked for months on their projects and are looking forward this opportunity to share their work.
- Judges should avoid distractions such as personal phone calls, texts, etc. during the event. Judges may not bring minor children that they need to supervise to the event.
- Let the History Day staff know right away if there are problems. We are here to help!
We appreciate your time and will do our best to make this experience rewarding for everyone involved!
