Department of History | Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Events

The annual, regional and state Illinois History Fairs provide an opportunity for students in grades 6 through 12 to showcase projects in several areas from written work, to visual displays, to theatrical-style performances.  The Southern Regional is one of the largest fairs in the state, with up to seven hundred students participating each year. 

The SIUC History Department is pleased to cosponsor the Southern Illinois Regional History Fair with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.  The annual regional and state Illinois History Fairs provide an opportunity for students in grades 6 through 12 to engage in primary research and critical thinking as they explore a topic in the history of Illinois.

According to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the project categories are as follows:

1. Research Papers: 1500-2500 words, documented and typed. Individuals only.
2. Exhibits: A two or three-sided stand up museum style display. (1-5 students)
3. Dramatic Performance: Dramatic representation of an historic person or event. Ten minute time limit. (1-5 students)
4. Media Presentation: a dvd or computer documentary. Ten minute time limit. (1-5 students)

The Southern Illinois Regional History Fair is one of the largest in the state, with hundreds of students participating each year.

The Regional Fair is held each spring and the winners will go on to the state competition in Springfield in May.  The best projects at the State Fair then go on to National History Day in College Park, Maryland.

Here are some pictures from past History Fairs: Setting Up, Southern Plantation, Underground Railroad, Judging Begins, and More Judging .  We look forward to seeing you there this year.

Sincerely,
Jo Ann E. Argersinger, History Fair Coordinator

We invite volunteers for judging at the History Fair each year.  If you are interested in being a judge, please contact Dr. Jo Ann E. Argersinger at jarger@siu.edu