2014 National Contest Begins!

Welcome to the 2014 National History Day contest!

The weather is beautiful here in College Park, Maryland and the students are busy preparing for the competition and enjoying Washington, D.C.

Team Washington arrived on campus Saturday and Sunday, where many checked in to their dorm rooms in University of Maryland's Elkton Hall. Some students even managed to fit in a bit of sightseeing before the end of the day.

Sunday morning began with breakfast and a Team Washington meeting on the steps of Elkton Hall. By now, nearly all students have picked up their Team Washington backpack and buttons. Button trading is definitely in full-swing -- Washington students have managed to trade buttons with Arizona, Wisconsin, Guam, China, and many others so far.

Exhibit students have been working in the Stamp Student Union today to set up their exhibits in preparation for judging and public viewing. Performance students are ensuring that their props survived the trip to the East Coast and are rehearsing their scripts.

Tonight, Team Washington will meet for a Team Dinner and walk together to the Welcome Ceremony. After the ceremony, Team Washington will set off on a scavenger hunt around campus.

Junior Division judging begins tomorrow, so here's wishing all Junior competitors good luck and a good night's sleep!

Check back for more updates as the week goes on. You can also find Washington History Day on Facebook.