Contest Rules for Exhibits

An exhibit is a visual representation of your research and interpretation of your topic's significance in history, much like a small museum exhibit. The analysis and interpretation of your topic must be clear and evident to the viewer. Labels and captions should be used creatively with visual images and objects to enhance the message of your exhibit.

Rules for ALL apply to Exhibits

Rule 1: Size Requirements

The overall size of your exhibit when displayed for judging must be no larger than 40 inches wide, 30 inches deep, and 6 feet high. Measurement of the exhibit does not include the table on which it rests; however, it would include any stand that you create and any table drapes. Circular or rotating exhibits must be no more than 30 inches in diameter.

Rule 2: Media Devices

Media devices (e.g., tape recorders, projectors, video monitors, computers) used in an exhibit must not run for more than a total of 3 minutes and are subject to the 500 word limit (see below). Viewers and judges must be able to control media devices. Any media devices used must fit within the size limits of the exhibit. Any media devices used should be integral to the exhibit - not just a device to bypass the prohibition against live student involvement. For example, a brief excerpt from a taped student-conducted oral interview or a dramatic reading might be appropriate, but taped commentary or analysis is inappropriate.

Rule 3: Word Limit

There is a 500 word limit that applies to all text created by the student that appears on or as part of an exhibit entry. This includes the text you write for titles, subtitles, captions, graphs, timelines, media devices, (e.g., video, slides, computer files) or supplemental materials (e.g., photo albums, scrapbooks, etc.) where you use your own words.

Reminder: words in timelines or scrapbooks do count toward the limit if they are student composed. Be careful that your message is clear and contained on the exhibit itself; judges have little time to review supplemental material. Extensive supplemental material is inappropriate. For example, oral history transcripts, correspondence between you and experts, questionnaires, and other primary or secondary materials used as sources for your exhibit should be cited in your bibliography but not included as attachments to your bibliography or exhibit.

FAQs About the 500 Word Limit in the Exhibit Category

The word limit counts toward any student-composed written materials that are used on an exhibit (excluding the title, page, process paper, and annotated bibliography). This includes:
A date counts as one word, while each word in a name is individually counted. For example, "January 1, 1990" counts as one word, but "John Quincy Adams" counts as three.
Words such as "a," "the," and "of" are counted as one word each.
The limit does not include words found in materials used for illustration, such as documents, artifacts or graphs not created by the students, or to quotations from primary sources such as oral history interviews, letters, or diaries. These materials are not student composed.
Brief citations crediting the sources of illustrations or quotations included on the exhibits do not count toward the 500-word limit.
Words in timelines or scrapbooks do count toward the limit if they are student composed. But, if a timeline is a transcription of a secondary or primary source then it is not student composed and does not count toward the word limit.

Tips From Your State Office

In addition to the title of your exhibit, 2 separate sections should be clearly displayed FRONT and CENTER and immediately visible to the viewer: THESIS and SIGNIFICANCE.

The time-line should be displayed in such a way that it contrasts (through color or design) with the rest of the information so that it's easy to follow.

Label your sections. For example, a National judge commented on a Colorado exhibit: "You failed to include the political, economic, social, and cultural significance of your topic." The student didn't fail to include these at all; in fact, they were displayed individually at the top center. However, the student DID NOT LABEL these points to make it clear and visible to the viewer. Remember: At State, and even more so at National, judges have very little time to spend with each exhibit. Each element on the board must be very clear and precise.

Supplemental Material. Make sure your message is clear and contained on the exhibit itself. Supplemental material is not helpful and, if important, should be noted in your bibliography. Judges will not have the time to review this material. The judges are evaluating only your board and the process paper.

Exhibit Checklist - Individual and Group (2-5 students)

No larger than 40 inches wide, 30 inches deep, and 6 feet high when displayed
3 copies (plus one for you) of written materials: title page with required information; 500 word description of the research methods used (a judging team may retain one copy for review)
Annotated bibliography, separated into primary and secondary sources
Exhibit addresses the theme
Title is clear and visible
Labels, captions, and titles include no more than 500 student-composed words
Has visual impact and shows interpretation
Names and addresses of all group participants listed on entry card
Entry card and fee mailed by deadline
Be prepared to answer judges' questions at the contest (remember that formal narratives are not appropriate responses to questions)

This information is provided by CHD and the Student Contest Guide from NHD.