National History Day in Maine is currently looking for volunteers to judge middle and high school aged historical research projects at their regional and state contests!

For the first time in three years, the contests will be in-person for the 2023 season. The 2023 contest schedule is as follows:

Southern Lewiston Contest: March 3, 2023

Northern Bangor Contest: March 25, 2023

University of Maine State Contest: April 29, 2023

You may be asking, “who can judge?” We are looking for teachers, professors, historians, museum professionals, or anyone with a substantial interest in history to serve as judges. Anyone interested is welcome to serve as a judge, no prior experience is necessary. Please pass this along and encourage your colleagues to participate this year too! 

Registration is easy and you can participate in multiple contests. Click the link(s) (below) for the contest you want to judge, go to “create an account” at the top right, choose “judge” in the dropdown menu, and follow the instructions. It’s that easy. For further instruction or to sign up for multiple contests using one account please reference our  2023 Virtual Judging Guide.

As you register, consider which categories you might be interested in judging. You may request a specific category (exhibit, website, paper, performance, or documentary) that aligns with your profession or interests. If you do not choose a specific category we will assign one for you.

Before the contest (Roughly 3 weeks prior) you will receive your judging assignment from me, this will include names and contact information of your fellow judges within your team and further instructions and information on the category you will be judging.

Here are the links. Please take note of when judge registration closes.

Southern Lewiston Contest Judging: Registration Closes February 10, 2023

Northern Bangor Contest Judging: Registration Closes March 3, 2023

University of Maine State Contest Judging: Registration Closes April 7, 2023

As a notification, there are a few changes or carryovers from the virtual contests that will now be part of the fun. They include the following:

• From now on it will be expected that you bring an electronic device (i.e. a computer, tablet, etc.) with you on contest day in order to fill out the online evaluation forms.  Please understand that a smartphone is NOT compatible with the online system and therefore should NOT be the device you choose to rely upon. If you cannot provide one for yourself please contact Coordinator John Taylor john.m.taylor@maine.edu to work out other arrangements.

• Students will be required to upload process papers and annotated bibliographies prior to contest day. This means you will be able to access them before the contest and read them at your own leisure through our contest portal. Be sure to remember your username and password when you register to judge.

• Lunch will NOT be provided at the regional contests. You will be offered heavy snacks and beverages throughout the contest, but most judging will end by 1:00PM. Lunch will still be provided at the state contest.

• • For better understanding of the contest schedules, please click here (schedules are subject to change).

Thank you for your consideration. Please contact the State Coordinator John Taylor at john.m.taylor@maine.edu if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.