UMBC's Department of History is proud to host this year's Central Maryland History Day on Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the UMBC Campus.

Middle and High School students from over twenty schools in the state will be presenting their research on this year's theme of "Turning Points in History" with exhibits on the 7th Floor of the Albin O. Kuhn Library, screenings of documentary works in the Fine Arts Building, and performances in Lecture Hall III.

Coordinated by UMBC Professor of History Dan Ritschel, this year's History Day will include students from Chesapeake Senior High School, Pasadena; Dundalk Middle School, Dundalk; Ellicott Mills School, Ellicott City; Holy Family School, Randallstown; Julius West Middle School, Rockville; Pikesville Senior High School, Pikesville; and Spring Ridge, Lexington Park as well as other institutions.

UMBC graduate students from the Department of History have been mentoring students throughout the Spring. With added input from curators associated with the Baltimore Museum Alliance, students have also been give the opportunity to hone their ideas and gain insights from professional historians. Emphasis has been placed on research in primary sources, presentation techniques, and interpretative skills.

Selected topics include exhibits on the effect of the Civil War on slavery in Maryland and the fall of the Berlin Wall; documentaries on the key Battles of Gettysburg and the Russian Revolution; and performances including Women Seeking Voting Rights With Anna S. Harlan and The Impact of the Telephone: The Real Heart of Communication.

The day will culminate with an award announcement ceremony in the afternoon at 3 p.m. Parents will have the opportunity to attend an information session about University Admissions and programs at UMBC with University representatives during the event.

For more information, please contact UMBC's Department of History at (410) 455-2312.