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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarch 9, 2026<\/span><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n (Franklin, IND.) March 9, 2026 \u2013 The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) proudly announces that a group of students from Jennings and Lawrence counties have been selected to advance to the National History Day in Indiana (NHDI) State Contest after a successful regional contest on Saturday, March 7.<\/span><\/p>\n After presenting projects representing months of in-depth research and preparation, the top finalists listed below earned the opportunity to compete at the 2026 NHDI State Contest on April 18, 2026 at Marian University.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Junior Paper<\/b> \u201cUnderground Railroad\u201d \u2013 Colt Bergmann, Daigen Martin, Lucian Barnhart, Ryan Ye (Mitchell Jr High School) <\/span> National History Day in Indiana is a yearlong academic program designed to strengthen history education for students in grades four through 12. Each year, participants select a historical topic connected to an annual theme and conduct extensive primary and secondary source research. The 2025\u20132026 theme, \u201cRevolution, Reaction, Reform in History,\u201d challenges students to explore how individuals, communities and governments have balanced freedoms and civic duties throughout history.<\/span><\/p>\n Students present their findings in one of five categories: documentary, exhibit, paper, performance or website. Advancement to the state contest requires qualification through one of four regional competitions held across Indiana.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cSeeing the level of curiosity and dedication these students bring to their projects is incredibly inspiring,\u201d said Jody Blankenship, IHS CEO. \u201cEvents like the National History Day contest highlight how history education helps students strengthen research, storytelling and analytical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our communities.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Through its project-based, inquiry-driven model, NHDI gives students ownership of their learning by guiding them to develop research questions, analyze evidence and present conclusions in creative and compelling ways. From classroom projects to regional and state competitions, the program builds critical thinking, analytical and presentation skills while fostering meaningful collaboration between students and educators.<\/span><\/p>\n For more information about National History Day in Indiana, visit www.indianahistory.org\/historyday or call (317) 232-1882.<\/span><\/p>\n ###<\/span><\/p>\n About the Indiana Historical Society (IHS)<\/b><\/p>\n The Indiana Historical Society collects and preserves Indiana\u2019s unique stories; brings Hoosiers together in remembering and sharing the past; and inspires a future grounded in our state\u2019s uniting values and principles. IHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/b>\u201cThe Man that Molded Modern Architecture\u201d \u2013 Carliegh Collins (Jennings County Middle School)<\/span>
<\/span>Junior Individual Documentary<\/b>
<\/b>\u201cThe \u201cNo\u201d That Sparked Revolution\u201d \u2013 Ava Seitzinger (Mitchell Jr High School)<\/span>
<\/span>Junior Individual Exhibit<\/b>
<\/b>\u201cProhibition Era\u201d \u2013 Daphne Ritchie (Jennings County Middle School)<\/span>
<\/span>\u201cReactions to the Berlin Wall\u201d \u2013 Emma Owsley (Jennings County Middle School)<\/span>
<\/span>Junior Group Exhibit<\/b>
<\/b>\u201cRosie the Riveter\u201d \u2013 Madison Allen, Sydney Campbell (Jennings County Middle School)<\/span>
<\/span>\u201cThe French Revolution\u2019s Antagonist: King Louis XVI\u201d \u2013 Mason Foist, Savannah Arney (Jennings County Middle School)<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>Senior Individual Documentary<\/b>
<\/b>\u201cFrom Campus Protest to Courtroom Reform: The Revolutionary Impact of Hess V. Indiana\u201d \u2013 Whitney Barber (Jennings County High School)<\/span><\/p>\n