Exhibits

Exhibits are displays of visual and written information. They are similar to exhibits found in a museum. People walking by should be attracted to an exhibit's main idea and, therefore, stop to learn more about the topic. To be successful, an exhibit must create an effective balance between visual interest and historical explanation.

The most common form of exhibit entry is a three-panel display. This style is the least complicated to design and build but is still a very effective way to present information.

At competitions, students set up their exhibits, but are not present while the judging team evaluates the entry. The judging team calls in the students who created each exhibit for interviews; the schedule for interviews at the state competition will be printed in the contest program. The exhibit should be constructed so it stands alone without verbal explanation. There will be time during the competition day for friends, family and visitors to view the exhibits.

Word and Size Limit

There is a 500-word limit for student-composed written materials on an exhibit. In addition, there are size limits depending on whether the exhibit is free-standing or sits on a table top. Please check the rule book for size limitations.

Process Paper

Students are required to prepare a process paper for all exhibit entries.

All the Details

Read the student contest rule book carefully and follow its guidelines. Also visit Creating Exhibit Entries on the National History Day web site for more information.