About Southern Regional Contest
Illinois History Day began in 1947 as a publication entitled Illinois Junior Historian and later Illinois History sponsored by the Illinois State Historical Society. By 1963 the monthly essay and art contest for the magazine soon grew into physical fairs where students could show off their talents and craftsmanship.
Illinois History Day is an annual state-wide academic competition in which students can create a wide variety of projects (exhibit, research paper, website, documentary, or performance) about an aspect of Illinois history. Students from sixth grade through eighth grade participate in the Junior Division and students from ninth grade through twelfth grade participate in the Senior Division.
Illinois History Day consists of four regions; Northern, Central, Southern, and Chicago Metro. Students will participate in their respective regional competitions in hopes of being selected to participate in the state competition held virtually, this year in Springfield.
Students must ensure that their projects meet the qualifications listed in this handbook. Projects will be assessed based on historical accuracy, clarity in argument, relevance to Illinois, and the overall quality of the presentation.
This year's Illinois Southern Regional History Day Contest will be an in-person competition using the following dates:
- Registration is open NOW
- In-person submissions deadline: March 23, 2024, by 10am
- Final Results announced: March 23, 2024, by 4pm
This year's Illinois Southern Regional History Day Contest will be an in-person competition using the following dates:
- Registration is open November 27, 2023
- In-person submissions deadline: March 23, 2024, by 10am
- Final Results announced: March 23, 2024, by 4pm
Each category has its own unique evaluation sheet that will be used. Please review the category evaluation sheets below.
Evaluation Sheets 2021